Search

Objective: We performed a multicenter prospective comparative study to determine the impact of a Japanese frozen elephant trunk device on total arch replacement compared with conventional repair without it., Methods: Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 684 patients (frozen elephant trunk procedure; n = 369; conventional repair, n = 315) from 41 institutions were enrolled. The 2 procedures were selected according to each center's strategy., Results: The frozen elephant trunk procedure was applied more for aortic dissection, whereas the conventional repairs were predominantly performed for aneurysms. In the former, only hypothermic circulatory arrest time was reduced among the intraoperative parameters. Although there were no differences in the 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates (0.8% and 1.6%, respectively, for the frozen elephant trunk procedure vs 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively, for conventional repair), the neurologic complication rates were significantly higher in stroke (5.7% vs 2.2%; P = .022) and paraplegia (1.6% vs 0%; P = .023). In the propensity score matching analyses using 11 variables, statistical significance disappeared in the differences for mortality and neurologic morbidity (stroke and paraplegia/paraparesis) rates of 194 patients of each group, although they were still higher for the frozen elephant trunk procedure., Conclusions: The early outcomes of total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk procedure were acceptable despite its higher prevalence of emergency or redo surgery, which was comparable to that of the conventional repair. This procedure had higher rates of spinal cord injury than the conventional repair, which is a disadvantage of this approach., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

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., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

The effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on mid-term outcomes following thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is not well known. We hypothesized that postoperative AKI would reduce mid-term survival and aimed to analyze the effect of AKI on mid-term outcomes after TAAA repair. This retrospective study identified 294 consecutive TAAA repairs at Kobe University Hospital from October 1999 to March 2019. Patients with preexisting end-stage renal disease that required hemodialysis (n = 11) and patients who died intraoperatively (n = 2) were excluded. Finally, 281 patients were analyzed. AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines (KDIGO) classification. Of the 281 patients, 178 (63.3%) developed AKI, of which 98 (34.9%) had mild, 34 (12.1%) had moderate, and 46 (16.4%) had severe AKI. Twenty-six patients (12.8%) required renal replacement therapy after surgery. Twenty-three in-hospital deaths (8.2%) were recorded, including 2 (0.7%) without AKI, 0 (0%) with mild AKI, 1 (0.4%) with moderate AKI, and 20 (7.1%) with severe AKI (p < .001). The 4-year survival was 91.9 ± 3.0% for no AKI, 91.3 ± 3.2% for mild AKI, 72.4 ± 8.5% for moderate AKI and 32.6 ± 7.4% for severe AKI (p < .001). Multivariable Cox-hazard regression analysis demonstrated that moderate and severe AKI, older age and emergency surgery were significant risk factors for mid-term survival. In patients undergoing TAAA repair, severe AKI was associated with an increase in in-hospital mortality and both moderate and severe AKI were negatively associated with mid-term survival. Preventing moderate/severe AKI may improve mid-term survival after TAAA repair., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This review discusses the clinical applications of the frozen elephant trunk procedure for patients with acute aortic dissection. Sub-analysis of the multicenter Japanese Frozenix study, J-ORCHESTRA, are presented, and recent reports of frozen elephant trunk usage for acute aortic dissection are discussed.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of diffuse aortic atherosclerosis-related thrombosis, or "shaggy aorta" on the outcomes of open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAAA)., Methods: From October 1999 to March 2018, 251 patients underwent open TAAA repair using segmental-staged aortic clamping. Twenty-eight patients (11.2%) received emergent or urgent operations. Patients were classified into 3 groups: dissection aneurysm (139 patients, 55.4%), degenerative aneurysm without shaggy aorta (76 patients, 30.3%), and degenerative aneurysm with shaggy aorta (36 patients, 14.3%). Shaggy aorta was assessed using enhanced computed tomography and defined as patients with atheroma thickness ≥5 mm with irregular atheroma surface. Mean follow-up was 4.3 ± 4.1 years., Results: Operative mortality was 8% (20 patients) and spinal cord injury occurred in 25 patients (10.0%), 16 of whom (6.4%) had permanent neurologic dysfunction. Operative mortality was significantly worse in patients with shaggy aorta (dissection: 2.2%, non-shaggy: 6.6%, and shaggy: 33.3%, P < .001) and shaggy aorta was a significant risk factor for spinal cord injury (dissection: 7.2%, non-shaggy: 6.6%, and shaggy: 27.8%, P < .003). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that shaggy aorta was a significant risk factor for composite outcome consisted of operative mortality, spinal cord injury, and acute renal failure (odds ratio, 4.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-12.3, P < .001)., Conclusions: Preoperative enhanced computed tomography assessment of shaggy aorta could predict high-risk patients for open TAAA repair., (Copyright © 2019 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study evaluates our 18-year experience of total arch replacement in the octogenarian and nonagenarian population., Methods: Between October 1999 and March 2018, a total of 740 patients underwent total arch replacement at our institution. A total of 139 patients were aged 80 years or more (83.1 ± 2.8 years), and 601 patients were aged less than 80 years (66.9 ± 11.3 years). Early and late outcomes were compared between the groups., Results: In the group aged 80 years or more, operative mortality occurred in 12 patients (8.6%) and significantly improved over time (P = .010). Operative mortality was significantly higher in the group aged 80 years or more (P = .033) when compared with the group aged less than 80 years (4.0%). Regarding postoperative complications, deep sternal wound infection, pneumonia, and tracheostomy occurred in significantly more patients in the group aged 80 years or more. In the group aged 80 years or more, there were 52 late deaths, with 4 aortic-related deaths. Overall survival was 55.4% ± 5.0% at 5 years and 32.2% ± 6.1% at 8 years. Multivariable Cox-hazard regression analysis demonstrated that chronic kidney disease, nonelective surgery, and concurrent procedures were significant risk factors for overall survival in the group aged 80 years or more. Cumulative incidence for reoperation was significantly lower in the group aged 80 years or more (8.7% at 5 years) compared with the group aged less than 80 years (14.2% at 5 years)., Conclusions: Total arch replacement was performed with an acceptable overall survival in octogenarians and nonagenarians, although operative mortality was higher than in younger patients. However, older patients had a lesser burden of reoperation compared with younger patients., (Copyright © 2019 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fate of the downstream aorta following open aortic repair for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection comparing total arch replacement (TAR) with the elephant trunk (ET) technique versus non-total arch replacement (non-TAR)., Methods: From October 1999 to December 2016, 267 patients underwent open repair for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. A tear-oriented strategy was mainly used to determine the extent of graft replacement. Hospital mortality was 10.0% (12/120 patients) in the TAR group and 17.0% (25/147 patients) in the non-TAR group (P = 0.070). Late outcomes were compared in 230 hospital survivors (TAR: n = 108 and non-TAR: n = 122). Mean follow-up was 6.5 ± 4.6 years. The aortic diameters were measured at 4 levels, across 6 time points using computed tomography., Results: Freedom from additional aortic surgery for distal dilation was significantly better in the TAR group than the non-TAR group (TAR: 97.5 ± 1.8% at 5 years and non-TAR: 88.2 ± 3.4% at 5 years, P = 0.045). Freedom from a distal aortic event was also significantly better in the TAR group compared with the non-TAR group (TAR: 97.2 ± 1.6% at 5 years and non-TAR: 80.7 ± 4.2% at 5 years, P = 0.013). In the non-TAR group, the aortic arch diameter significantly increased (P < 0.001). Significant aortic remodelling occurred at the proximal descending aorta in the TAR with ET group (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The TAR with ET reduced the need for additional distal aortic repair compared to non-TAR. TAR with ET prevented unfavourable aortic growth in both the aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: We report early and midterm outcomes of elderly patients who underwent valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) compared with younger patients and those with Bentall procedure., Methods: From October 1999 to October 2017, 73 patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age who underwent VSRR procedure were assigned as group S. Two hundred thirty-two VSRR patients who were between 15 and 64 years of age were assigned as group Y. Forty-five patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age who underwent Bentall procedure were assigned as group R. Preoperative grades of aortic regurgitation were 3.4 of 4 in group S, 3.1 of 4 in group Y, and 3.3 of 4 in group R (p = 0.07)., Results: Hospital mortality was found in 1 (1.4%) patient in group S, 3 (6.7%) in group R, and 2 (0.9%) in group Y. Postoperative survival at 5 years was 88.5% in group S, 98.7% in group Y, and 82.4% in group R (p < 0.01). Freedom from more than mild aortic regurgitation at 5 years was 81.0% in group S and 85.4% in group Y. Follow-up echocardiography disclosed an effective aortic valve orifice area of 1.76 cm 2 in group R, 2.40 cm 2 in group Y, and 2.41 cm 2 in group S (p < 0.01), and peak pressure gradient across the aortic valve was 17.7 mm Hg in group R, 13.6 mm Hg in group Y, and 10.8 mm Hg in group S (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: Similar early and late outcomes were achieved in elder VSRR patients compared with younger patients. A better postoperative valve performance was demonstrated in VSRR patients than patients undergoing valve-replacement., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and long-term outcomes of our multidisciplinary strategy for treating deep sternal wound infection after aortic grafting, which consisted of debridement by a plastic surgeon, negative pressure wound therapy with continuous irrigation and chest wall reconstruction., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 18 patients who had a deep sternal wound infection following aortic grafting through a median sternotomy between January 2009 and December 2017. All patients had organisms cultured from mediastinal tissue within 2 months from the initial aortic surgery. The prosthetic grafts were exposed in 15 patients during resternotomy. Our protocol involved repeat debridement and negative pressure wound therapy with continuous irrigation twice a week until the results of the culture were negative and chest wall reconstruction was complete., Results: The mean duration from primary aortic surgery to resternotomy was 23.7 ± 15.9 days. Except for 1 patient, 17 patients underwent chest wall reconstruction. The mean duration from resternotomy to chest wall reconstruction was 31.1 ± 28.0 days. The hospital mortality rate was 16.7% (3 patients), although no patients died of wound-related causes. The mean follow-up period was 2.9 ± 2.5 years. Overall survival was 69.6 ± 11.4% at 1 year and 54.2 ± 13.3% at 5 years. Freedom from reoperation for reinfection was 94.4 ± 5.4% at 5 years., Conclusions: Our wound care strategy achieved acceptable early and late survival in patients who had deep sternal wound infection following aortic grafting. This strategy may benefit those who experience this devastating complication., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the impact of white matter changes on neurologic outcomes after total arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion., Methods: White matter changes were assessed using a visual Fazekas scale on preoperative magnetic resonance images. From October 1999 to December 2016, 359 patients who had demonstrated changes on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging underwent elective total arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion. Patients were classified into 3 severity groups: mild (100 patients), moderate (158 patients), and severe (101 patients). Mean follow-up time was 4.8 ± 3.6 years. Multivariate logistic regression methods were used to evaluate for an independent association between white matter changes and postoperative neurological outcomes., Results: Hospital mortality was 2.8% (10/359), and no significant differences were found across the 3 groups (P = .604). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the severity of white matter change was significantly associated with both postoperative permanent neurologic deficit (odds ratio, 5.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.58-38.4, P = .005) and transient neurologic deficit (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-4.37, P < .001)., Conclusions: White matter changes, defined using the visual Fazekas scale on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, were significantly associated with significant postoperative adverse neurologic outcomes after total arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion., (Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aggressive strategies for thoracic aortic graft infection, including resection of all infected tissues, in situ replacement with a rifampicin-bonded graft, and omental flap installation, resulted in improved survival., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study evaluated the early and long-term outcomes of open surgery after thoracic endovascular aortic repair., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent open surgery following thoracic endovascular aortic repair between October 1999 and July 2017. The mean interval from primary intervention to open surgery was 3.1 ± 3.7 years. Indications for open repair were endoleak in 14 patients, graft infection in 10 patients, false lumen dilatation in 9 patients, retrograde dissection in 5 patients, migration in 1 patient and additional aneurysm in 2 patients. Eight patients underwent emergent surgical conversions. The mean follow-up period was 4.2 ± 4.0 years., Results: Descending aortic replacement was performed in 15 patients; thoraco-abdominal aortic repair, in 14 patients; extensive arch to descending aortic replacement, in 5 patients; and total arch replacement, in 7 patients. Six (14.6%) patients died in the hospital. The 5-year survival rate was 73.7 ± 7.2%, and freedom from reintervention was 88.5 ± 6.4%., Conclusions: Early outcomes of open surgical procedures after thoracic endovascular aortic repair were still suboptimal. However, hospital survivors had excellent long-term outcomes.

Objectives: We present our experience with one-stage replacement of thoracic aneurysm from the ascending aorta to the thoracoabdominal aorta., Patients and Methods: Fourteen patients (10 male and 4 female; mean age 53.6 ± 12.4 years) with extended thoracic aortic aneurysms underwent graft replacement. The pathology of the diseased aorta was chronic aortic dissection in 13 patients and intraoperative retrograde aortic dissection in 1 patient. Five patients had Marfan syndrome. In a previous operation, 1 patient had undergone the Bentall procedure, 4 had hemiarch replacement for acute type A dissection, and 1 had a Y-graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The approach to the aneurysm was posterolateral thoracotomy with rib-cross incision extended to the retroperitoneal abdominal aorta. Arterial inflow for cardiopulmonary bypass consisted of the femoral artery in 13 patients and abdominal aortic aneurysm graft in 2. Venous drainage site was the femoral vein in 7, femoral vein and pulmonary artery in 3, and pulmonary artery in 1. All patients had antegrade cerebral perfusion and visceral perfusion., Results: Hospital mortality occurred in 1 patient due to acute myocardial infarction. Actuarial survival at 5 years after the operations was 96.5 ± 9.8%. Freedom from the subsequent aortic events was 91.0 ± 2.9% at 5 years., Conclusions: Our treatment method for extensive thoracic aneurysm, from the ascending aorta to the thoracoabdominal aorta, achieved satisfactory results via the use of specific strategies and appropriate organ protection according to the aneurysm extension in the selected patients., (Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 13-year-old male presented with neoaortic root dilatation and severe aortic valve regurgitation 13 years following an arterial switch operation. The valve cusps were unbalanced due to an enlarged non-coronary cusp. A valve-sparing reimplantation with a cusp plication was performed which resulted in a competent valve with trivial regurgitation. Thus, even in an unbalanced cusp, valve-sparing reimplantation can be used for neoaortic root dilatation and valve regurgitation after an arterial switch operation., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To present a surgical strategy for aortoesophageal fistula (AEF)., Methods: From October 1999 to May 2017, 27 patients with AEF were treated at Kobe University Hospital. After 9 patients with malignancies or fish bone penetration were excluded, 18 patients who had AEF secondary to aortic lesions were investigated. The mean age was 67.2 ± 10.4 years, and the male/female ratio was 16:2. Twelve patients had a nondissection thoracic aneurysm, and 6 patients had a chronic aortic dissection. Six patients were in shock. Seven patients had a previous thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the descending aorta, 2 patients had descending aorta replacement, 1 had hemiarch replacement, and 2 had total arch replacement. As the first treatment for AEF, 3 patients underwent TEVAR as destination therapy, 3 patients had a bridge TEVAR to open surgery, 1 patient had an extra-anatomical bypass from the ascending aorta to the abdominal aorta, and 11 patients had an in situ reconstruction of the descending aorta. The esophagus was resected in 16 patients, and an omental flap was installed in 16 patients. Additional procedures were extra-anatomical bypass in 2 patients and in situ reconstruction of the aorta in 3 patients., Results: Hospital mortality was noted in 4 patients (22.2% persistent sepsis, n = 3: pneumonia, n = 1). However, since 2007, only 1 of 13 patients has died (pneumonia). Late death occurred in 5 patients, due to pneumonia, cerebral bleeding, diarrhea, sudden death, and persistent infection. Actuarial survival was 42.4 ± 12.8% at 5 years and freedom from aorta-related death was 59.4 ± 13.5% at 5 years. Nine patients achieved completed reconstruction of the esophagus 172 ± 57 days after initial surgery., Conclusions: Although a comparative study was not performed, 1-stage surgery consisting of resection of an aneurysm and esophagus, in situ reconstruction of the descending aorta, and omental flap installation provided a better outcome in the treatment for AEF. Bridging TEVAR to the open surgery is a useful adjunct in patients with AEF with hemorrhagic shock. Later reconstruction of the esophagus can be performed in the survivors., (Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the cut-off value of sarcopenia based on the psoas muscle area index and evaluate early and late outcomes following elective total arch replacement in the elderly., Methods: Sarcopenia was assessed by the psoas muscle area index [defined as the psoas muscle area at the L3 level on computed tomography (cm 2 )/body surface area (m 2 )]. The cut-off value for sarcopenia was defined as > 2 standard deviations below the mean psoas muscle area index value obtained from 464 normal control patients. Between October 1999 and July 2015, 266 patients who were ≥ 65 years and had undergone psoas muscle area index measurement underwent elective total arch replacement. These patients were classified into the sarcopenia (Group S, n  = 81) and non-sarcopenia (Group N, n  = 185) groups., Results: The mean age was 76.2 ± 5.6 years in Group S and 75.7 ± 5.7 years in Group N ( P  = 0.553). Hospital mortality was 3.7% (3/81) in Group S and 2.2% (4/185) in Group N ( P  = 0.483). Mean follow-up was 48.3 ± 38.7 months. Five-year survival was significantly worse in Group S (S: 63.2 ± 6.6% vs N: 88.7 ± 2.6%, P  < 0.001). A multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that sarcopenia significantly predicted poor survival (hazard ratio 2.59; 95% confidence interval 1.27-5.29; P  = 0.011)., Conclusions: Sarcopenia did not predict hospital death following total arch replacement, but it was negatively associated with overall survival. Sarcopenia can be an additional risk factor to estimate the outcomes of thoracic aortic surgery., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: We investigated the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing conventional total aortic arch replacement (TAR), based on the Japan Adult Cardiovascular Surgery Database., Methods: A total of 12 590 patients who underwent elective TAR between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 4 categories: normal respiratory function (control), with ratio of forced expiratory volume of air in 1 s (FEV 1 ) to forced vital capacity (FVC) of 76% or greater (TAR, n  = 10 040); mild COPD, with FEV 1 /FVC ratio 60-75% and/or use of bronchodilator (TAR, n  = 1890); moderate COPD, FEV 1 /FVC ratio 50 to 59% and/or use of steroids (TAR, n  = 504); and severe COPD, FEV 1 /FVC ratio less than 50% and/or presence of respiratory failure (TAR, n  = 156)., Results: In-hospital mortality was 5.7% (5.2% in controls, 7.0% in mild COPD, 9.3% in moderate COPD and 9.0% in severe COPD). A significant trend towards the severity of COPD was noted ( P  < 0.0001). A higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia (6.0% in control, 11.0% in mild COPD, 12.3% in moderate COPD and 15.4% in severe COPD; P  < 0.0001) and a greater need for prolonged ventilation (17.5% in control, 22.0% in mild COPD, 26.6% in moderate COPD and 29.5% in severe COPD; P  < 0.0001) were observed in cases of more severe COPD. The odds ratio of moderate/severe COPD for in-hospital mortality was 1.44 with confidence interval of 1.08-1.91 ( P  = 0.012)., Conclusions: There was a significant increase in in-hospital mortality and morbidity with increasing severity of COPD in patients who underwent TAR., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the impact of the extent of graft replacement on early and late outcomes in acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection., Methods: Between October 1999 and July 2014, 197 consecutive patients were surgically treated for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. The extent of graft replacement (hemiarch, partial, or total arch replacement) was mainly determined by the location of the primary entry. Early and late results were compared in patients after total arch replacement (n = 88) and combined hemiarch and partial arch replacement: non-total arch replacement (n = 109)., Results: The in-hospital mortality rates of the total arch replacement and non-total arch replacement groups were 10.2% and 14.7%, respectively (P = .47). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation and visceral organ malperfusion as significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality, but not total arch replacement. During a mean follow-up period of 60 ± 48 months, the 5-year survivals in the total arch replacement and non-total arch replacement groups were 88.6% ± 4.2% and 83.8% ± 4.4%, respectively (P = .54). Rates of distal aortic events (defined as freedom from surgery for distal aorta dilation or distal arch diameter expanding to 50 mm) at 5 years were significantly better in the total arch replacement group than in the non-total arch replacement group (94.9% ± 3.5% vs 83.6% ± 4.9%, P = .01)., Conclusions: The operative mortality of patients with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection treated by total arch replacement was acceptable with good long-term survival after both total arch replacement and non-total arch replacement. The frequency of distal aortic events might be reduced in patients after total arch replacement compared with non-total arch replacement., (Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the impact of preoperative identification of the Adamkiewicz artery (AKA) on prevention of spinal cord injury (SCI) through the multicenter Japanese Study of Spinal Cord Protection in Descending and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Repair (JASPAR) registry., Methods: Between January 2000 and October 2011, 2435 descending/thoracoabdominal aortic repairs were performed, including 1998 elective repairs and 437 urgent repairs, in 14 major centers in Japan. The mean patient age was 67 ± 13 years, and 74.2% were males. There were 1471 open repairs (ORs), including 748 descending and 137 thoracoabdominal extent [Ex] I, 136 Ex II, 194 Ex III, 115 Ex IV, and 138 Ex V, and 964 endovascular repairs (EVRs). Of the 2435 patients, 1252 (51%) underwent preoperative magnetic resonance or computed tomography angiography to identify the AKA., Results: The AKA was identified in 1096 of the 1252 patients who underwent preoperative imaging (87.6%). Hospital mortality was 9.2% (n = 136) in those who underwent OR and 6.4% (n = 62) in those who underwent EVR. The incidence of SCI was 7.3% in the OR group (descending, 4.2%; Ex I, 9.4%; Ex II, 14.0%; Ex III, 14.4%; Ex IV, 4.2 %; Ex V, 7.2%) and 2.9% in the EVR group. The risk factors for SCI in ORs were advanced age, extended repair, emergency, and occluded bilateral hypogastric arteries. In ORs of the aortic segment involving the AKA, having no AKA reconstruction was a significant risk factor for SCI (odds ratio, 2.79, 95% confidence interval, 1.14-6.79; P = .024)., Conclusions: In descending/thoracoabdominal aortic repairs, preoperative AKA identification with its adequate reconstruction or preservation, especially, in ORs of aortic pathologies involving the AKA, would be a useful adjunct for more secure spinal cord protection., (Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To learn upon incidence, underlying mechanisms and effectiveness of treatment strategies in patients with central airway and pulmonary parenchymal aorto-bronchial fistulation after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)., Methods: Analysis of an international multicentre registry (European Registry of Endovascular Aortic Repair Complications) between 2001 and 2012 with a total caseload of 4680 TEVAR procedures (14 centres)., Results: Twenty-six patients with a median age of 70 years (interquartile range: 60-77) (35% female) were identified. The incidence of either central airway (aorto-bronchial) or pulmonary parenchymal (aorto-pulmonary) fistulation (ABPF) in the entire cohort after TEVAR in the study period was 0.56% (central airway 58%, peripheral parenchymal 42%). Atherosclerotic aneurysm formation was the leading indication for TEVAR in 15 patients (58%). The incidence of primary endoleaks after initial TEVAR was n = 10 (38%), of these 80% were either type I or type III endoleaks. Fourteen patients (54%) developed central left bronchial tree lesions, 11 patients (42%) pulmonary parenchymal lesions and 1 patient (4%) developed a tracheal lesion. The recognized mechanism of ABPF was external compression of the bronchial tree in 13 patients (50%), the majority being due to endoleak formation, further ischaemia due to extensive coverage of bronchial feeding arteries in 3 patients (12%). Inflammation and graft erosion accounted for 4 patients (30%) each. Cumulative survival during the entire study period was 39%. Among deaths, 71% were attributed to ABPF. There was no difference in survival in patients having either central airway or pulmonary parenchymal ABPF (33 vs 45%, log-rank P = 0.55). Survival with a radical surgical approach was significantly better when compared with any other treatment strategy in terms of overall survival (63 vs 32% and 63 vs 21% at 1 and 2 years, respectively), as well as in terms of fistula-related survival (63 vs 43% and 63 vs 43% at 1 and 2 years, respectively)., Conclusions: ABPF is a rare but highly lethal complication after TEVAR. The leading mechanism behind ABPF seems to be a continuing external compression of either the bronchial tree or left upper lobe parenchyma. In this setting, persisting or newly developing endoleak formation seems to play a crucial role. Prognosis does not differ in patients with central airway or pulmonary parenchymal fistulation. Radical bronchial or pulmonary parenchymal repair in combination with stent graft removal and aortic reconstruction seems to be the most durable treatment strategy., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyse the treatment outcomes of thoracic prosthetic graft infection., Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at six hospitals and included the records of 68 patients treated for postoperative prosthetic vascular graft infection (mean age: 62.3 ± 15.1, male 51) from January 2000 to December 2013. The number of patients and the locations of the treated infections were as follows: 13 for aortic root, 16 for ascending aorta, 35 for aortic arch and 4 for aortic root to arch. In-hospital infection occurred in 43 patients and after discharge in 25., Results: The mean follow-up time was 2.0 ± 2.3 years. The follow-up rate was 94.1%. The most commonly isolated micro-organism was Staphylococcus aureus (72.1%). Rereplacement of infectious graft was performed in 18 patients (Dacron graft in 12, homograft in 4 and rifampicin-bonded Dacron graft in 2). The overall hospital mortality rate was 35.3% (24/68). The mortality rate among the patients with graft rereplacement was 33.3% (6/18), with pedicled muscle flaps or pedicled omental flaps to cover the graft 25.9% (7/27), with irrigation 55.0% (11/20) and on antibiotic therapy only 0% (0/3). Our multivariate analysis demonstrated that the risk factors of hospital death increased in the absence of pedicled flaps (muscle or omentum) to cover the graft (P = 0.001), age over 55 (P = 0.003), time from onset of initial operation <1 week (P = 0.031) and period before 2008 (P = 0.001). The overall 1-year survival rate was 58.6%., Conclusions: The treatment outcomes of thoracic prosthetic vascular graft infection have not been satisfactory. However, the use of pedicled muscle or omental flaps to cover the graft could improve the outcomes., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Antegrade cerebral perfusion and hypothermic circulatory arrest, with or without retrograde cerebral perfusion, are 2 major types of brain protection that are used during aortic arch surgery. We conducted a comparative study of these methods in patients undergoing total arch replacement to evaluate the clinical outcomes in Japan, based on the Japan Adult Cardiovascular Surgery Database., Methods: A total of 16,218 patients underwent total arch replacement between 2009 and 2012. Patients with acute aortic dissection or ruptured aneurysm, or who underwent emergency surgery were excluded, leaving 8169 patients for analysis. For the brain protection method, 7038 patients had antegrade cerebral perfusion and 1141 patients had hypothermic circulatory arrest/retrograde cerebral perfusion. A nonmatched comparison was made between the 2 groups, and propensity score analysis was performed among 1141 patients., Results: The matched paired analysis showed that the minimum rectal temperature was lower in the hypothermic circulatory arrest/retrograde cerebral perfusion group (21.2°C ± 3.7°C vs 24.2°C ± 3.2°C) and that the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac ischemia was longer in the antegrade cerebral perfusion group. There were no significant differences between the antegrade cerebral perfusion and hypothermic circulatory arrest/retrograde cerebral perfusion groups with regard to 30-day mortality (3.2% vs 4.0%), hospital mortality (6.0% vs 7.1%), incidence of stroke (6.7% vs 8.6%), or transient neurologic disorder (4.1% vs 4.4%). There was no difference in a composite outcome of hospital death, bleeding, prolonged ventilation, need for dialysis, stroke, and infection (antegrade cerebral perfusion 28.4% vs hypothermic circulatory arrest 30.1%). However, hypothermic circulatory arrest/retrograde cerebral perfusion resulted in a significantly higher rate of prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (>8 days: 24.2% vs 15.6%)., Conclusions: Hypothermic circulatory arrest/retrograde cerebral perfusion and antegrade cerebral perfusion provide comparable clinical outcomes with regard to mortality and stroke rates, but hypothermic circulatory arrest/retrograde cerebral perfusion resulted in a higher incidence of prolonged intensive care unit stay. Antegrade cerebral perfusion might be preferred as the brain protection method for complicated aortic arch procedures., (Copyright © 2015 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

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., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: We present a series of patients who underwent in situ total aortic arch replacement for infected distal aortic arch aneurysms., Methods: Between 2002 and 2013, 9 patients with infected distal aortic arch aneurysms underwent total aortic arch replacement using antegrade selective cerebral perfusion. There were 4 male and 5 female patients with a mean age of 72.7±9.0 years. All patients had penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer in the distal aortic arch, which formed saccular aneurysms. Four patients had preoperative hoarseness. Maximum preoperative white blood cell count was 10,211±4375/μL, and mean serum C-reactive protein concentration was 12.7±7.2 mg/dL. Causative microorganisms were identified by blood culture or aortic wall culture and were as follows: Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (2 cases), and unknown (2 cases). Radical debridement with in situ total aortic arch replacement was performed in all patients, followed by the omental flap grafting in 7 patients. All surgery was performed on an urgent or emergency basis., Results: Average cardiopulmonary bypass time and lower body circulatory arrest time were 199.7±50.7 minutes and 66.6±13.8 minutes, respectively. There was no in-hospital mortality, but 1 patient died of asphyxia 5 months after hospital discharge. Freedom from recurrence of infection was 100%., Conclusions: Surgical treatment with the combination of radical debridement with in situ total aortic arch replacement using antegrade selective cerebral perfusion and omental flap grafting was a reliable procedure for the treatment of infected distal aortic arch aneurysms., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Four cases of simultaneous surgery for aortic root aneurysm with aortic regurgitation and coarctation of the aorta were presented. Age at surgery ranged from 18 to 37 years and all were male. All had annuloaortic ectasia and dilatation of the ascending aorta, 3 had bicuspid aortic valve and 1 had acute localized aortic dissection. Preoperative grade of aortic regurgitation was trivial in 1, moderate in 2 and severe in 1. Three had aortic valve-sparing root replacement with reimplantation technique and 1 had plication of the sinotubular junction. All patients had total arch replacement, coarctectomy and orthogonal anastomosis to the descending aorta. Antegrade cerebral perfusion was used for brain protection. All patients survived and postoperative pressure difference between the upper and lower extremities disappeared. Postoperative aortogram was satisfactory., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The present study analyzes the early patency of intercostal artery reconstruction, using graft interposition and aortic patch anastomosis, and determines the fate of reattached intercostal arteries after repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms., Methods: We selected 115 patients (mean age, 63 ± 15 years; range, 19-83 years; male, n = 83) treated by thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair with 1 or more reconstructed intercostal arteries at the Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine between October 1999 and December 2012. The intercostal arteries were reconstructed using graft interposition (n = 66), aortic patch anastomosis (n = 42), or both (n = 7)., Results: The hospital mortality rate was 7.8% (n = 9). Eleven patients (9.6%) developed spinal cord ischemic injury (permanent, n = 6, transient, n = 5). The average number of reconstructed intercostal arteries per patient was 3.0 ± 1.5 (1-7), and 345 intercostal arteries were reattached. The overall patency rate was 74.2% (256/345) and that of aortic patch anastomosis was significantly better than that of graft interposition (90.8% [109/120] vs 65.3% [147/225], P < .01), but significantly worse for patients with than without spinal cord ischemic injury (51.9% [14/27] vs 76.1% [242/318], P = .01). There was no patch aneurysm in graft interposition during a mean of 49 ± 38 (range, 2-147) postoperative months, but aortic patch anastomosis including 4 intercostal arteries became dilated in 2 patients., Conclusions: Aortic patch anastomosis might offer better patency rates and prevent spinal cord ischemic injury compared with graft interposition. Although aneurysmal changes in intercostal artery reconstructions are rare, large blocks of aortic wall reconstruction should be closely monitored., (Copyright © 2014 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Midsternotomy in patients with a coexisting tracheostomy is associated with a risk of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) or mediastinitis. We herein present two cases of total arch replacement using a surgical technique designed to avoid the danger of DSWI. Total arch replacement via an antero-lateral thoracotomy with partial sternotomy can be one of the options for patients with a tracheostoma or after laryngectomy, and can both protect organs and avoid DSWI.

Purpose: This study was designed to analyze the outcomes of endovascular treatment for internal iliac artery aneurysm (IIAA) at mid-term follow-up., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 33 patients (28 males, mean age 77.4 years) who underwent endovascular treatment of 35 IIAAs (mean diameter 39.8 mm) from 2002 to 2012. We attempted to completely and selectively embolize all distal branches with permanent embolic materials, followed by proximal controls either by stent-graft placement (type 1) or coil embolization (type 2)., Results: Procedural success rate was 97.1% (n = 34). Complete permanent distal branches embolization was achieved in 27 (79.4%), type 1 in 24 (70.6%), and type 2 in 10 (29.4%) cases. During mean follow-up period of 29.1 months (range, 1.2-92.8), no IIAA-related mortality and stent/stent-graft related complications occurred. Pelvic ischemia occurred and resolved in 8 (25%) patients. Among 32 cases followed by CT, the aneurysm diameter was stable in 18 (56.3%), shrank in 11 (34.4%), and enlarged in 3 (9.4%) cases. In 22 assessed by contrast-enhanced CT, secondary endoleak occurred in 3 (13.6%) cases and 2 required secondary interventions (2/32, 6.3%). Type 1 procedure tends to have better mid-term outcomes. Incomplete permanent distal branches embolization was associated with enlargement and secondary intervention (p = 0.007 and p = 0.042, respectively). The secondary intervention-free rate at 3 years in the complete and incomplete distal embolization group was 100 and 83.3%, respectively (p = 0.128)., Conclusions: Endovascular treatment for IIAA is feasible and safe. Complete permanent distal branches embolization is important to achieve satisfactory mid-term outcomes.

Objective: Little is known about the impact of preoperative renal function stratified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on outcomes of total aortic arch replacement (TAR). The current study addressed this issue and identified a cutoff value of eGFR for the requirement of postoperative renal replacement therapy., Methods: From January 2000 to May 2011, 229 consecutive patients who did not require preoperative hemodialysis were retrospectively studied after elective TAR. Patients were grouped into the following categories: those with normal renal function (eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m(2); n = 11) and those with mild (eGFR, 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m(2); n = 86), moderate (eGFR, 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2); n = 111), or severe (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2); n = 21) renal dysfunction. Linear trend tests demonstrated that the lower categories of eGFR were associated with a higher age, hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and a higher EuroSCORE II., Results: The overall hospital mortality was 2.2%. A lower categories of eGFR were an independent risk factor for hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.91; P = .002) and postoperative renal replacement therapy (odds ratio, 0.94; P < .002). A cutoff value for the requirement of postoperative renal replacement therapy was 26.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Patients in the lower categories of eGFR had significantly higher hospital mortality (P = .03) and more morbidities, such as renal replacement therapy (P < .01), postoperative permanent neurologic deficits (P = .013), and prolonged mechanical ventilatory support (P < .01). Midterm survival and freedom from major adverse cerebrocardiovascular events were worse across the levels of the lower categories of eGFR., Conclusions: Preoperative eGFR is a strong predictor of short- and midterm outcomes in contemporary TAR., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Mosby, Inc.)

Acute spontaneous and isolated dissection of the iliofemoral artery is an extremely rare entity. Conservative, surgical, and endovascular treatment have been used to treat such cases. To the best of our knowledge we report the first case of using hybrid management to successfully treat isolated external iliac artery dissection extending to the superficial femoral artery. This method could potentially overcome the limitations of endovascular techniques and minimize use of extensive open surgery., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Stent graft placement for ureteroarterial fistula is the preferred treatment. However, some pitfalls may occur during the procedure. Chronic inflammation process will induce longer adhesion area between artery and ureter, which results in unusual fistula site and rigid iliac arteries. This further leads to difficulty in advancing the endograft delivery system, even when access route is large enough. Multiple attempts to pass the iliac artery may result in "incidental" mechanical provocative angiography with subsequent massive bleeding. These suggested us not only to be careful and prepared but also to consider that angiography after inserting the delivery system could give additional information on the exact fistula site.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt thoracic aortic injury in young adults with small aortic diameter often encounters high difficulty. We report, to our knowledge, the first case of successful treatment using combination of iliac leg and abdominal aortic cuff stent-graft.

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.

Objective: The effect of an atherothrombotic aorta on the short- and long-term outcomes of total aortic arch replacement, including postoperative neurologic deficits, remains unknown. We evaluated this relationship and also elucidated the synergistic effect of multiple other risk factors, in addition to an atherothrombotic aorta, on the neurologic outcome., Methods: A group of 179 consecutive patients undergoing total aortic arch replacement were studied. An atherothrombotic aorta was present in 34 patients (19%), more than moderate leukoaraiosis in 71 (39.7%), and significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis in 27 (15.1%). In-hospital deaths occurred in 2 patients, 1 (2.9%) of 34 patients with and 1 (0.7%) of 145 patients without an atherothrombotic aorta (P = .26). Permanent neurologic deficits occurred in 4 (2.2%) and transient neurologic deficits in 17 (9.5%) patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the risk factors for transient neurologic deficits were an atherothrombotic aorta (odds ratio, 4.4), extracranial carotid artery stenosis (odds ratio, 5.5), moderate/severe leukoaraiosis (odds ratio, 3.6), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (odds ratio, 1.02). To calculate the probability of transient neurologic deficits, the following equation was derived: probability of transient neurologic deficits = {1 + exp [7.276 - 1.489 (atherothrombotic aorta) - 1.285 (leukoaraiosis) - 1.701 (extracranial carotid artery stenosis) - 0.017 (cardiopulmonary bypass time)]}(-1). An exponential increase occurred in the probability of transient neurologic deficits with presence of an atherothrombotic aorta and other risk factors in relation to the cardiopulmonary bypass time. Survival at 3 years after surgery was significantly reduced in patients with vs without an atherothrombotic aorta (75.0% ± 8.8% vs 89.2% ± 3.1%, P = .01)., Conclusions: Patients with an atherothrombotic aorta and associated preoperative comorbidities might be predisposed to adverse short- and long-term outcomes, including transient neurologic deficits., (Copyright © 2013 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The technical details of total arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion are presented., Methods: From January 2002 to May 2012, 423 consecutive patients (mean age, 69.2 ± 13.1 years) underwent total arch replacement using antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through a median sternotomy. Acute aortic dissection was present in 81 patients (19.1%; 75 type A, 6 type B), and a shaggy aorta was present in 37 patients (8.7%). Emergency/urgent surgery was required in 135 patients (31.9%). Our current approach included meticulous selection of the arterial cannulation site and type of arterial cannula, antegrade selective cerebral perfusion, maintenance of the minimal tympanic temperature between 20 °C and 23 °C, early rewarming immediately after distal anastomosis, and maintenance of the fluid balance at less than 1000 mL during cardiopulmonary bypass. A woven Dacron 4-branch graft was used in all patients., Results: The overall hospital mortality was 4.5% (19/423): 9.6% (13/135) in urgent/emergency surgery cases and 2.1% (6/288) in elective cases. Permanent neurologic deficits occurred in 3.3% patients (14/423). Prolonged ventilation was necessary in 57 patients (13.4%). A multivariate analysis demonstrated the risk factors for hospital mortality to be age (octogenarian; odds ratio, 4.45; P = .02), brain malperfusion (odds ratio, 22.5; P = .002), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (odds ratio, 1.06; P = .04). The follow-up was completed in 97.2% of patients (mean, 29 ± 27; 1-126) and included 2.3 patients per year. Survival at 5 and 10 years after surgery was 79.6% ± 3.3% and 71.2% ± 5.0%, respectively. In the acute A dissection group, the 10-year survival was 96.6% ± 2.4%. In the elective nondissection group, the 5- and 10-year survivals were 80.3% ± 4.2% and 76.1% ± 5.7%, respectively., Conclusions: Our current approach for total aortic arch replacement is associated with low hospital mortality and morbidity, thus leading to a favorable long-term outcome., (Copyright © 2013 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm is an excellent alternative to open surgery, especially in patients with a number of comorbidities. It may cause fatal complications, including aortoesophageal fistula, but these are very rare. Here, we report the case of secondary aortoesophageal fistula four months after the procedure for a huge descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, which presented with new-onset high-grade fever accompanied by elevated inflammatory markers.

Objective: Recent advancements in total aortic arch replacement achieved by our approach were presented., Methods: From January 2002 to December 2010, 321 consecutive patients (mean age 69.8 ± 13.3 years) underwent total arch replacement through a median sternotomy at our institute. Aortic dissection was present in 94 (28.3%) patients and shaggy aorta in 36 (11.2%), with emergency/urgent surgery required in 106 (33.0%). Our current approach included the following: (1) meticulous selection of arterial cannulation site and type of arterial cannula; (2) antegrade selective cerebral perfusion; (3) maintenance of minimal tympanic temperature between 20 °C and 23 °C; (4) early rewarming just after distal anastomosis; (5) after 2004, bolus injection of 100 mg of sivelestat sodium hydrate into the pump circuit at the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass; (6) after 2006, maintaining fluid balance below 1000 mL during cardiopulmonary bypass., Results: Overall hospital mortality was 4.4% (14/321) and was 1.9% (4/215) in elective cases. Permanent neurologic deficit occurred in 4.4% (14/321) of patients and in 2.8% (6/215) of elective cases. Prolonged ventilation was necessary in 53 (16.5%), with a significant reduction after 2006 (22.8% vs 12.6%; P = .02). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that risk factors for hospital mortality were octogenarian (odds ratio, 4.32; P = .03), brain malperfusion (odds ratio, 21.2; P = .001) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (odds ratio, 1.01; P = .04). Survival at 3 and 5 years after surgery was 82.4% ± 2.5% and 78.5% ± 3.1%, respectively., Conclusions: Our current approach for total aortic arch replacement was associated with low hospital mortality and morbidities and with favorable long-term outcome., (Copyright © 2012 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mid-term outcomes of endovascular tubular stent-graft placement for repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IAAs)., Materials and Methods: Between January 2002 and March 2010, 20 patients (7 women and 13 men; mean age 74 years) underwent endovascular repair of 22 isolated IAAs. Two patients underwent endovascular repair for bilateral aneurysms. Ten para-anastomotic aneurysms (45%) developed after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair with an aorto-iliac graft, and 12 were true aneurysms (55%). Eleven straight and 11 tapered stent-grafts were placed. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed to detect complications and evaluate aneurysmal shrinkage at week 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and once every year thereafter. Non-contrast-enhanced CT was performed in seven patients with chronic kidney disease., Results: All procedures were successful, without serious complications, during the mean (range) follow-up period of 746 days (47-2651). Type II endoleak not requiring treatment was noted in one patient. The mean (SD) diameters of the true and para-anastomotic aneurysms significantly (p < 0.05) decreased from 42.0 (9.3) to 36.9 (13.6) mm and from 40.1 (13.0) to 33.6 (15.8) mm, respectively; the mean (SD) shrinkage rates were 15.1% (20.2%) and 18.9% (22.4%), respectively. The primary patency rate was 100%, and no secondary interventions were required. Four patients (21%) developed transient buttock claudication, and one patient (5%) developed colorectal ischaemia, which was treated conservatively., Conclusion: Endovascular tubular stent-graft placement for the repair of isolated IAAs is safe and efficacious. Tapered stent-grafts of various sizes are required for accurate placement.

A 70-year-old woman, with history of asymptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection was admitted for acute abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed ruptured isolated SMA dissection. Endovascular treatment was chosen over surgical repair because of prior abdominal surgeries. Because an angulated SMA trunk and compressed true lumen by the dilated false lumen prevented the insertion of a guidewire into the SMA via the transfemoral artery, transmesenteric approach under laparotomy was selected. After creating a pull-through condition from the SMA to the left brachial artery, a successful stent graft placement with adequate hemostasis was achieved. The aneurysm shrunk remarkably, with no complication at follow-up., (Copyright © 2011 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 59-year-old woman had undergone total arch replacement, followed by the mediastinal omental flap installation because of postoperative mediastinitis. One year later, she was diagnosed with annuloaortic ectasia with mitral regurgitation and underwent aortic root replacement (modified Bentall procedure) plus mitral valve annuloplasty through the right anterolateral thoracotomy. Her postoperative course was uneventful. The approach could be an alternative for the aortic root replacement in patients with previous median sternal wound complications.

'Anastomotic leak' after ascending aortic replacement for acute aortic dissection, which is determined as direct forward blood flow into the false lumen at the distal anastomosis, prevents the false lumen from being thrombosed. The aim of this study is to determine whether the leak influences on residual aortic growth. Between October 1999 and May 2006, 100 patients presenting for acute type A aortic dissection underwent surgery at our institution. Among the population, 34 patients who underwent ascending aortic replacement and have been followed by computed tomography (CT) for over 6 months were reviewed. On the follow-up CT, maximum diameter of aortic arch and descending aorta were measured and the presence of anastomotic leak was determined. The growth rates of aortic arch and descending aorta in patients diagnosed as having anastomotic leak were greater than patients not having leak (P=0.003, P<0.001, respectively). Initial maximum diameter just after ascending aortic replacement was greater in patients with anastomotic leak than without anastomotic leak in aortic arch and descending aorta (P=0.013, P=0.06). Anastomotic leak after ascending aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection contributed to remnant aortic growth. More sophisticated method for reapproximation of dissected aorta should be dictated.

Background: This retrospective study determined whether leukoaraiosis and hippocampal atrophy seen in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predict neurologic outcome after total aortic arch replacement., Methods: From August 2001 to November 2007, 131 consecutive patients (22% women) who underwent elective total arch replacement with selective cerebral perfusion were enrolled. Mean patient age was 71 +/- 17 years (range, 27 to 88 years). On preoperative MRI, mean leukoaraiosis score and hippocampal atrophy score, rated according to the Scheltens scale, were 11.0 +/- 9.2 and 1.5 +/- 1.9, respectively. Forty-three patients (32.8%) had carotid or basilica arterial stenosis, 18 (12.6%) had a stroke, and 6 (4.2%) had a transient ischemic attack., Results: One hospital death (0.8%) occurred. Adverse perioperative neurologic events included intraoperative stroke in 8 (6.1%), postoperative stroke in 2 (1.5%), and temporary neurologic dysfunction (TND) in 11 (8.4%). On multivariate logistic regression, significant predictors of postoperative intraoperative stroke were leukoaraiosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.1, p = 0.02) and aortic arch atheroma (OR, 2.4; p = 0.001). TND was significantly associated with leukoaraiosis (OR, 1.1, p = 0.03) and hippocampal atrophy (OR, 1.6, p = 0.01). The best cutoff value for predicting intraoperative stroke was a leukoaraiosis score exceeding 16 (sensitivity, 70%; specificity, 70%); that for predicting TND was a leukoaraiosis score exceeding 18 (sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 77%) and a hippocampal atrophy score exceeding 2 (sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 76%)., Conclusions: Leukoaraiosis and hippocampal atrophy are significant independent factors for adverse neurologic outcome after total arch replacement.

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.

Total arch replacement (TAR) for aneurysm of the aortic arch through the midsternotomy has several advantages over left thoracotomy. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that might have an effect on the distal anastomosis through midsternotomy. From October 1999 to August 2005, 125 patients underwent TAR for aneurysm of the aortic arch through midsternotomy. Ninety-four patients with antegrade cerebral perfusion were selected. Distal anastomosis was performed under circulatory arrest (CA) of the lower body. Preoperatively, the diameter of aneurysm, the depth of distal end of aneurysm from anterior skin surface and the anteroposterior diameter of body trunk were measured. Postoperatively, the distance from the carina to the distal anastomosis was measured. There were six early deaths (6.4%). Duration of CA was 37+/-7.6 min. Diameter of the aneurysm was 60.6+/-13.2 mm and the depth of the distal end of aneurysm was 139+/-20.6 mm. There was no correlation between CA time and these factors. The anteroposterior diameter of body trunk was 200+/-18.0 mm and has a correlation with CA time. The depth of distal end of aneurysm from anterior skin surface was the only factor that affected duration for distal anastomosis.