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Objective: The aim of this study was to disclose the differences of surgical outcomes between Marfan syndrome with mutations in fibrillin-1 gene and Loeys-Dietz syndrome with mutations in transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 and 2., Methods: We reviewed 368 patients aged less than 50 years who underwent surgery for thoracic aortic diseases between 1988 and 2019, and enrolled 99 patients with Marfan syndrome (26.9%; 57 men, 33 ± 7.5 years) and 24 patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (6.5%; 13 men, 28 ± 11 years)., Results: Freedom from all causes of mortality was similar between the 2 groups (P = .40, log-rank). The cumulative incidence of reintervention was significantly lower in the Marfan syndrome group than in the Loeys-Dietz syndrome group (P = .016, Gray). The cumulative incidence of first aortic arch reoperation for aortic arch aneurysm was significantly lower in the Marfan syndrome group than in the Loeys-Dietz syndrome group (P < .001, Gray). The cumulative incidence of first aortic root reoperation for aortic root aneurysm (P = .57, Gray) and first descending aorta reoperation for descending aortic aneurysm (P = .76, Gray) was similar between the 2 groups. The cumulative incidence of aortic dissection after initial surgery was significantly lower in Marfan syndrome than in Loeys-Dietz syndrome (P = .0059, Gray)., Conclusions: Loeys-Dietz syndrome with mutations in transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 and 2 revealed higher rates of reoperation, and more specifically the arch reoperation was higher in those with Loeys-Dietz syndrome than those with Marfan syndrome. Aggressive arch surgery in the initial operation on the proximal aorta is recommendable in Loeys-Dietz syndrome to avoid additional aortic events. In Marfan syndrome, this is controversial in patients without dissection because of a low possibility to expand., (Copyright © 2020 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The management of acute type A aortic dissection with malperfusion syndrome remains challenging. To evaluate preoperative condition, symptoms might be subjective and objective evaluation of cerebral artery has not yet been established. For quantitative evaluation, this study focused on brain computed tomography perfusion (CTP), which has been recommended by several guidelines of acute ischaemic stroke., Methods: In the last 2 years, 147 patients hospitalized due to acute type A aortic dissection were retrospectively reviewed. Among the 23 (16%) patients with cerebral malperfusion, 14 who underwent brain CTP (6 preoperative and 8 postoperative) were enrolled. CTP parameters, including regional blood flow and time to maximum, were automatically computed using RApid processing of Perfusion and Diffusion software. The median duration from the onset to hospital arrival was 129 (31-659) min., Results: Among the 6 patients who underwent preoperative CTP, 4 with salvageable ischaemic lesion (penumbra: 8-735 ml) without massive irreversible ischaemic lesion (ischaemic core: 0-31 ml) achieved acceptable neurological outcomes after emergency aortic replacement regardless of preoperative neurological severity. In contrast, 2 patients with an ischaemic core of >50 ml (73, 51 ml) fell into a vegetative state or neurological death due to intracranial haemorrhage. CTP parameters guided postoperative blood pressure augmentation without additional supra-aortic vessel intervention in the 8 patients who underwent postoperative CTP, among whom 6 achieved normal neurological function regardless of common carotid true lumen stenosis severity., Conclusions: CTP was able to detect irreversible ischaemic core, guide critical decisions in preoperative patients and aid in determining the blood pressure augmentation for postoperative management focusing on residual brain ischaemia., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of a valve-sparing root replacement using the reimplantation technique for annuloaortic ectasia in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and in those with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS)., Methods: We reviewed 103 patients with MSF with mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene and 28 patients with LDS with mutations in the transforming growth factor-beta receptor and 2, SMAD3 and transforming growth factor beta-2 from 1988 to 2020., Results: Forty-four (42.7%) patients with MFS [26 men, 31 (7.6) years] and 10 (35.7%) patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) [7 men, 22 (standard deviation: 8.6) years] who had no aortic dissection and underwent valve-sparing root replacement were included. The preoperative sinus diameter [46 (45-50.5) mm in those with MFS vs 48 (47-50) mm in those with LDS, p = 0.420] and the percentage of aortic insufficiency > grade 2+ [31.8% (10/44) in patients with MFS vs 10.0% (1/10) in those with LDS, p = 0.667] revealed no significant differences between the 2 groups. The cumulative incidences of aortic insufficiency greater than grade 1 (p = 0.588) and aortic valve reoperation (p = 0.310) were comparable between the 2 groups. Patients with LDS had a higher tendency towards aortic dissection after the initial operation (p = 0.061) and a significantly higher cumulative incidence of aortic reoperation (p = 0.003) versus those with MFS., Conclusions: Patients with MFS and those with LDS showed similar cumulative incidences of recurrent aortic valve insufficiency and aortic valve reoperation. Those with LDS revealed a higher cumulative incidence of aortic reoperation and a greater tendency towards aortic dissection after the initial operation compared with those with MFS., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: We reviewed the results of endovascular aneurysm repair in patients from the Japanese Committee for Stentgraft Management registry to determine the significance of persistent type II endoleak (p-T2EL) and the risk of late adverse events, including aneurysm sac enlargement., Methods: The prospectively captured medical records of 17 099 patients <75 years of age who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm from 2006 to 2015 were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups (with or without p-T2EL) and compared to examine the correlation between p-T2EL and the occurrence of aneurysm sac enlargement after endovascular aneurysm repair., Results: Of the patients, 4957 (29.0%) had p-T2EL and 12 142 (71.0%) had no p-T2EL (non-T2EL). Mean age was significantly higher ( P <0.001), and there were fewer men ( P <0.001) in the p-T2EL group. Among comorbidities, hypertension ( P =0.019) and chronic kidney disease ( P =0.040) were more prevalent and respiratory disorders were less prevalent ( P <0.001) in the p-T2EL group. From each group, 4957 patients were matched according to propensity score to adjust for differences in patient characteristics. The cumulative incidence rates of abdominal aortic aneurysm-related mortality (p-T2EL: 52 of 4957 [1.0%] versus non-T2EL: 21 of 12 142 [0.2%]), rupture (p-T2EL: 38 of 4957 [0.8%] versus non-T2EL: 13 of 12 142 [0.1%]), sac enlargement (≥5 mm; p-T2EL: 1359 of 4957 [27.4%] versus non-T2EL: 332 of 12 142 [2.7%]), and reintervention (p-T2EL: 739 of 4957 [14.9%] versus non-T2EL: 91 of 12 142 [0.7%]) were significantly higher in the p-T2EL than the nonpT2EL group ( P <0.001). Propensity score matching yielded higher estimated incremental risk, including abdominal aortic aneurysm-related mortality, rupture, sac enlargement (≥5 mm), and reintervention for p-T2EL ( P <0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed older age ( P =0.010), proximal neck diameter ( P =0.003), and chronic kidney disease ( P <0.001) as independent positive predictors and male sex as an independent negative predictor ( P =0.015) of sac enlargement., Conclusions: The Japanese Committee for Stentgraft Management registry data show a correlation between p-T2EL and late adverse events, including aneurysm sac enlargement, reintervention, rupture, and abdominal aortic aneurysm-related mortality after endovascular aneurysm repair. Besides p-T2EL, older age, female sex, chronic kidney disease, and dilated proximal neck were associated with sac enlargement.

Background: An aortic graft implantation is an effective therapeutic method for various aortic diseases. However, it is known that sometimes these implanted grafts can be the foci of infections. Here we report a rare case of graft infection that presented multiple embolisms of aortic branches and peripheral organs., Case Presentation: A 63-year-old Japanese woman with a history of aortic graft implantation presented with occlusions of large arteries in different loci and time points, with elevation of non-specific inflammatory markers. Thoracic contrast-computed tomography (CT) captured vegetation in the descending aortic graft and the [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) showed accumulation of FDG in the same site, suggesting a graft infection. Despite all these suspicious findings, repeated blood culture examinations never detected any microorganisms. A diagnosis of Aspergillus graft infection was made based on an elevated serum β-D glucan (βDG) and a positive Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) antigen test. The patient subsequently had surgery with replacement of the descending aortic graft and anti-fungal drugs were instituted with significant improvement noted., Conclusion: In the present case, the patient's specific feature in the anatomical vascular construction, past operation, and basal fundamental diseases collaboratively contributed to the pathogenesis of the present infection. It is important to recognize the risk of graft infection and conduct imaging studies when indicative symptoms emerge. The negativity in blood culture studies often makes detection of pathogenic microbes extremely difficult. This case suggests that non-cultural tests such as bDG and GM can be useful for diagnosis and starting appropriate anti-fungal drugs in the early stages., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: This observational retrospective study aimed to identify preoperative blood test data capable of predicting preoperative shock in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA)., Methods: A total of 104 patients who underwent surgery for rAAA between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed. Preoperative shock, defined as a shock index (heart rate/blood pressure) exceeding 1.5 or a maximum blood pressure < 80 mmHg, was observed in 44 patients (42%)., Results: Blood sugar (BS) (odds ratio [OR] 1.02; p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 0.57; p = 0.005), and hemoglobin (OR 0.60; p = 0.001) levels were identified as independent positive predictors of preoperative shock, and a BS level ≥ 300 mg/dl (OR 13.2; 95% CI 3.56-48.6; p < 0.001) was identified as a positive predictor of preoperative shock. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis for BS showed that the area under the curve for the predicted probabilities was 0.84, and at a cut-off value of 215 mg/dl, the sensitivity of minimum BS for predicting preoperative shock was 86% with a specificity of 79%., Conclusions: The BS level is as an independent predictor of preoperative shock in patients with rAAA. Patients with preoperative BS levels ≥ 300 mg/dl have an extremely high risk of preoperative shock., (© 2021. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.)

Objectives: Although endovascular repair has become an alternative treatment for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in adults, open repair provides concomitant repair of other cardiac complications, including post-stenotic aneurysm, ascending aortic aneurysm, and intracardiac diseases. We evaluated open anatomical repair for CoA repair in adults., Methods: Eleven patients (6 men, age range 21-63 years) underwent primary CoA repair. Complicating conditions included post-stenotic aortic aneurysm in the descending aorta in 5 patients (45.5%) and ascending aortic aneurysm in 3 (27.3%). Two patients (18.2%) had a bicuspid aortic valve, and one (9.1%) had a quadricuspid aortic valve. Ventricular septal defect was detected in 1 patient (9.1%). Eight patients (72.7%) underwent descending aorta replacement through a left thoracotomy, comprising partial cardiopulmonary bypass in 4 and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 4. Of those, the left subclavian artery was reconstructed in 4 patients. The remaining 3 patients (27.3%) underwent total arch replacement, through a median sternotomy in 1 and using a combination of median sternotomy and thoracotomy in 2., Results: No in-hospital mortality was observed. No spinal cord ischemia or neurological events were encountered, but 1 patient (9.1%) who underwent CoA repair via median sternotomy and thoracotomy required prolonged ventilatory support for more than 48 h. During the follow-up of 90 months (interquartile range 65-124 months), no patient died or required reintervention for the repaired segment., Conclusions: CoA in adults could be anatomically repaired with graft replacement both through the median sternotomy, the left thoracotomy, and the combination of both approaches, according to the complicated aortic or intracardiac lesions., (© 2021. The Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery.)

Objectives: Aortic graft infection (AGI) is a serious condition associated with a high mortality rate. However, optimal surgical options have not been identified. Therefore, we retrospectively reviewed AGI cases, including those in the thoracic and abdominal regions, with or without fistula formation, to investigate the various options for better outcomes., Methods: We reviewed 50 patients who underwent surgical interventions for AGI out of 97 patients with arterial infective disease. The mean patient age was 67 ± 17 years. Fourteen patients (28%) had a fistula with the gastrointestinal tract or lung. A combination of graft excision and vascularized tissue flap coverage was performed in 25 cases (50%). Tissue flap alone, graft excision alone and cleansing alone were performed in 9 (18%), 10 (20%), and 6 cases (12%), respectively., Results: Total in-hospital mortality rate was 32% (n = 16). In-hospital mortalities in patients with and without fistulas were 43% (6/14) and 28% (10/36), respectively (P = 0.33). Subgroup analysis among patients without fistula demonstrated that the in-hospital mortality rate of the patients with vascularized tissue flap (3/21, 14%) was significantly lower than that of the patients without vascularized tissue flap (7/14, 50%, P = 0.026). Overall 1- and 5-year survival rates were 66% and 46%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, an independent factor associated with in-hospital mortality was vascularized tissue flap (odds ratio 0.20, P = 0.024)., Conclusions: Vascularized tissue flaps could provide better outcomes for AGI. Graft preservation with vascularized tissue flaps could be a useful option for AGI without fistula., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Importance: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is widely used in clinical practice and research. However, the measurement properties of the COPM were not reviewed using rigorous systematic methodology., Objective: To evaluate the measurement properties of the COPM., Data Sources: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, OTseeker, and Cochrane Library. Study Selection and Data Collection: We used the updated COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist to evaluate the measurement properties of the COPM reported in relevant studies., Findings: Our search identified 35 articles that reported measurement properties for the COPM with samples that differed in age, country, diagnosis, and disease stage. For content validity, the evidence was inconsistent and of low quality; no studies assessed structural validity. For reliability, the internal consistency was indeterminate and of low quality. One study reported indeterminate and very low quality evidence for cross-cultural validity. According to the evidence reported in these studies, the COPM has inconsistent and moderate reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness and insufficient and high-quality evidence for criterion validity., Conclusions and Relevance: Our review of the evidence using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist indicates that the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure lacks high-quality validation. What This Article Adds: High-quality validation of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is lacking. Further examination of its measurement properties using updated relevant guidelines is required., (Copyright © 2021 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.)

Objectives: This study aimed to reveal additional factors potentially contributing to the multifactorial ethiopathogenesis of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA)., Methods: The medical records of 293 patients who underwent TEVAR without debranching procedures for descending TAA between 2011 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. We excluded the following cases from the study: 72 patients with aortic dissection; 15 with rupture; 14 with anastomotic pseudoaneurysm; 22 with re-TEVAR; 34 without evaluation of the artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA). Sufficient data were available for 136 patients (79% men; mean age of 76 ± 7.4 years). We conducted univariable and multivariable analyzes using the logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between pre-/intraoperative factors and postoperative SCI., Results: SCI was observed in nine patients (6.8%). Severe intraluminal atheroma [odds ratio (OR), 6.23; p = 0.014] and iliac artery access (OR 4.65; p = 0.043) were identified as the positive predictors of SCI by univariable analysis. Risk factors of SCI were determined additionally as follows: coverage of the intercostal artery branching AKA (ICA-AKA) (OR 4.89; p = 0.054); coverage of the ICA-AKA combined with iliac access (OR 10.1; p = 0.002); that combined with severe intraluminal atheroma (OR 13.7; p = 0.001)., Conclusion: Severe intraluminal atheroma and iliac artery access were the independent predicting factors of SCI after TEVAR for degenerative descending TAA. In patients with complicated aortoiliofemoral access route, coverage of the ICA-AKA is associated with the risk of SCI., (© 2021. The Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery.)

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the optimal surgical procedure for arch aneurysm in the elderly based on preoperative comorbidities, especially focusing on renal function., Methods: The medical records of 374 patients who experienced arch surgery between 2008 and 2019 were reviewed. Among the 374 patients, 92 who underwent total arch replacement (TAR) were assigned to the TAR group and the remaining 152 who underwent debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair (DTEVAR) were assigned to the DTEVAR group., Results: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was an independent risk factor of mortality (hazard ratio, 2.85; p = 0.029) in the TAR group but not in the DTEVAR. In the Grade I/II category CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 mL/min), freedom from all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the TAR group than in the DTEVAR group (p = 0.0155, log-rank). Freedom from all-cause mortality was comparable between the two groups in the Grade IIIa CKD (eGFR, 45-60) (p = 0.584, log-lank), Grade IIIb (eGFR, 30-45) (p = 0.822), and Grade IV/V (eGFR < 30) (p = 0.548)., Conclusion: In elderly patients who underwent TAR, CKD was the independent risk factor of the mortality, but not in the patients who underwent debranching TEVAR. Conversion of surgical strategy from TAR to debranching TEVAR in the treatment of aortic arch aneurysms in the elderly with CKD below Grade IIIa is acceptable considering that less-invasiveness. While, in the elderly with Grade I/II CKD, TAR still remains as a primary choice for the arch repair for better mid-term survival.

Two male smokers developed small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) as the second primary malignancy (SPM) in the irradiated field after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced cancer, which could also be considered as a radiation-induced tumour. A 70-year-old man received cisplatin and S-1 and irradiation at 60 Gy for lung adenocarcinoma eight years previously and an 81-year-old man cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil and at irradiation 60 Gy for oesophageal cancer five years previously. They sequentially received chemotherapy for SCLC, the effects of which were limited, and a refractory course was noted. Chemoradiotherapy is an effective treatment strategy for locally advanced cancer but may be relevant to the onset of SCLC as SPM., (© 2021 The Authors. Respirology Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.)

Acquired coarctation of the aorta (CoA) following total aortic arch replacement (TAR) is a rare complication inducing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction probably due to increased LV afterload and secondary hypertension caused by increased upper body and decreased renal blood flow. We describe a case of a 35-year-old male who developed atypical CoA with severe LV dysfunction with LV ejection fraction of 10%, but without secondary hypertension after TAR using conventional elephant trunk (ET) technique for acute aortic dissection. Computed tomography revealed near-occlusive CoA due to narrowed distal ET. Because the myocardial histological findings were mild, and he had no cardiac failure history, we determined that LV function might be reversible. He underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), resulting in restored LV function. However, as the descending aortic false lumen distally to the end of ET was rapidly dilated, probably due to increased cardiac output and lower body blood flow, he underwent descending aortic replacement 3 months after TEVAR. In conclusion, a narrowed distal ET may cause LV dysfunction early after TAR, even without secondary hypertension. TEVAR may be a useful therapeutic option for a narrowed distant ET but can induce distal aortic dilatation. < Learning objective: A 35-year-old male demonstrated that acquired coarctation of the aorta due to a narrowed distant elephant trunk led to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with comparable severity of dilated cardiomyopathy even with normal blood pressure. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is an effective treatment option to restore LV function by decreasing LV afterload. However, a narrowed distal ET relief with an increased cardiac output might cause distal aortic dilatation.>., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objectives: The surgical indications for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) in patients in cardiopulmonary arrest remain controversial. Outcomes of AAAD for patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were evaluated., Methods: Between 2004 and 2018, of the 519 patients who underwent AAAD repair, 34 (6.6%) required CPR before or on starting AAAD repair. The patients were divided into 2 groups, survivors (n = 13) and nonsurvivors (n = 21), to compare the early operative outcomes, including mortality and neurological events., Results: The major cause of cardiovascular collapse requiring CPR was aortic rupture/cardiac tamponade (n = 21 [61.8%]), followed by coronary malperfusion (n = 12 [35.3%]) and acute aortic valve regurgitation (n = 3 [8.8%]). There were 3 (23.1%) patients in the survivors group and 11 (52.4%) in the nonsurvivors group who required ongoing CPR at the beginning of AAAD repair (P = .039). Of these patients, 1 survivor and 6 nonsurvivors could not achieve return of spontaneous circulation after pericardiotomy (P = .045). Although the duration from onset or arrival to the operating room was similar (P = .35 and P = .49, respectively), overall duration of CPR was shorter in survivors (10 minutes [range, 7.5-16 minutes] vs 16.5 minutes [range, 15-20 minutes]; P = .044). All survivors without any neurological deficits showed return of spontaneous circulation after pericardiotomy. Multivariate regression modeling showed that CPR duration >15 minutes was a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality (P = .0040)., Conclusions: CPR duration beyond 15 minutes may be a contraindication for AAAD repair. Moreover, we should reconsider surgery for patients who cannot achieve return of spontaneous circulation after pericardiotomy., (Copyright © 2020 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To identify differences in surgical outcomes between patients with transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TGFBR) 1 and TGFBR2 mutations in Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS)., Methods: In all, 22 LDS patients between 1998 and 2015 were divided into the two groups: TGFBR1 (n = 11) and TGFBR2 mutation (n = 11)., Results: The freedom from aortic reoperation was similar between the two groups (p = 0.19, log-rank). In the subanalysis, the freedom from aortic reoperation was lower in female patients with TGFBR2 mutations (n = 6) than in other patients (p = 0.08). The freedom from aortic dissection (AD) after the initial surgery was also lower in female patients with TGFBR2 mutation than in other patients (p = 0.025). All patients with TGFBR2 mutations revealed grade III cystic medial necrosis (CMN), whereas 67% of patients with TGFBR1 mutations showed CMN (p = 0.033) and only one patient had grade III (p <0.001)., Conclusion: LDS patients with TGFBR2 mutations had higher grade of CMN than those of TGFBR1 mutations. In particular, in female patients with TGFBR2 mutations, AD after the initial surgery and reoperation were more frequent than those of other LDS patients.

Nanomolar concentrations of NH 2 OH in natural water sources were determined using an Fe 3+ oxidation method. A pH of 2.35 - 2.50 was used, which was adjusted by adding a chloroacetate buffer. Equal amounts (1.0 mL) of the chloroacetate solution and ferric chloride solution were added to the water sample (70 mL) to oxidize NH 2 OH to N 2 O. The resulting N 2 O in the sample water was then quantified by headspace analysis using a gas chromatograph with an electron-capture detector (ECD), where a limit of detection of 0.2 μgN L -1 (14 nmol L -1 ) was achieved. This method was successfully applied to samples of freshwater, brackish water, and seawater, and despite the various salinities no interfering substances were observed. Furthermore, NH 2 OH was successfully detected in samples collected from the Hii River and Lakes Shinji and Nakaumi (Shimane Prefecture, Japan). In addition, the proposed method was also applicable to samples rich in organic substance derived from phytoplankton.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in 8 patients with acute type A aortic dissection with an entry tear in the descending aorta., Subjects and Methods: From January 2016 to December 2018, eight patients (mean age 76 years; range 54-92 years) were treated by thoracic endovascular aortic repair due to high operative risk for conventional open repair. All patients had significant comorbidities, and two had critical organ malperfusion due to aortic dissection. Surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed., Results: All procedures were technically successful with complete coverage of the entry tear. The proximal landing zone was Zone 1 in 2, Zone 2 in 1, Zone 3 in 4, and Zone 4 in 1 patient. Patients requiring Zone 1 and 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair underwent aortic arch bypass simultaneously. Mean operation time was 132 min. There were no hospital deaths and no serious complications, including stroke and spinal cord ischemic injury. All patients had complete thrombosis and shrinkage of the false lumen in the ascending aorta before discharge. During up to 36-month follow-up (mean 20 ± 12 months), there were no adverse aortic events except one who died due to ischemic colitis 4 months after the procedure., Conclusion: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair could be a useful alternative surgical option for patients with retrograde acute type A aortic dissection with an entry in the descending aorta who are not suitable for conventional open surgery. Careful follow-up of such patients is mandatory.

Objectives: Resection of a primary entry tear is essential for the treatment of Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (AAAD). In DeBakey type III retrograde AAAD (DBIII-RAAAD), resection of the primary entry tear in the descending aorta is sometimes difficult. The frozen elephant trunk technique and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) enable the closure of the primary entry in the descending aorta. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of resection or closure of primary entry, i.e. entry exclusion, in patients with DeBakey type III retrograde-AAAD., Methods: The medical records of 654 patients with AAAD who underwent emergency surgery between January 2000 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, and 80 eligible patients with DeBakey type III retrograde-AAAD were divided into the excluded (n = 50; age, 62 ± 12 years) and residual (n = 30; age, 66 ± 14 years) groups according to postoperative computed tomography angiographic data of the false lumen around the primary entry. The excluded group was defined as having a postoperative false lumen at the level of the elephant trunk or thrombosis of the endograft including primary entry. Patients with early false lumen enhancement around the elephant trunk or an unresected primary entry tear after isolated hemiarch replacement were included in the residual group. The early and long-term surgical outcomes were compared between the groups., Results: The in-hospital mortality rate was 8% (6/80), with no significant difference observed between the excluded and the residual groups (10% and 7%, respectively; P > 0.99). Ninety-five percentage of the patients (20/21) achieved entry exclusion with stent grafts including the frozen elephant trunk procedure and TEVAR. Spinal cord ischaemia was not observed in either group. The cumulative overall survival at 5 years was comparable between the 2 groups (76% and 81% in the excluded and residual groups, respectively; P = 0.93). The 5-year freedom from distal aortic reoperation rate was significantly higher in the excluded group (97%) than in the residual group (97% vs 66%; P = 0.008)., Conclusions: Not only resection but also closure using the entry exclusion approach for DeBakey type III retrograde-AAAD utilizing new technologies including the frozen elephant trunk technique and TEVAR might mitigate dissection-related reoperations., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

To date, most high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are fabricated in an inert or vacuum condition to circumvent the moisture effect, which is one of the leading causes of sparse crystal nucleation and nonuniform morphology. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a simple approach to deposit a uniform and homogeneous perovskite on a planar substrate in ambient air for the mass production of PSCs. Herein, we investigated the synergistic effect of additive 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) and solvent vapor annealing (SVA) treatments on the performance of PSCs fabricated in ambient air. It was found that the addition of 1 vol % DIO together with SVA treatment results in the enhancement of the perovskite film's crystallinity, grain size, and photophysical properties. PSCs containing 1 vol % DIO additive and SVA treatment exhibited a power conversion of efficiency (PCE) of 17.04%, which is markedly higher than the control device with a PCE of 10.61%. The results indicate that the additive DIO and SVA can work together to significantly improve the performance of PSCs fabricated in ambient air. This work provides a promising route for developing high-performance PSCs in the ambient environment.

Objective : This study aims to determine how instructions for use affect the occurrence of aneurysm sac growth and endoleaks after an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Materials and Methods : We reviewed 302 patients who underwent EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2007 and 2013, and we were able to enroll 159 patients (74% men, mean age 78±7 years) with adequate data (mean follow-up; 48±20 months). Results : The angle of the proximal landing zone (LZ) (hazard ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.03, p=0.01) was recognized as an independent risk factor of sac growth (≥5 mm). The receiver operating characteristics curve (area under the curve: 0.72) showed a cutoff value of 47° of the minimum angle of the proximal LZ to predict sac growth. Freedom rates for persistent type Ia endoleaks were also found to be lower in the angulated group than those in the other groups (p=0.0095, log-rank). Conclusion : The angle of the proximal LZ was identified as an independent risk factor for sac growth post-EVAR. The incidence of persistent type Ia endoleaks was significantly higher in the angulated group., Competing Interests: Disclosure StatementAll authors have no conflict of interest., (© 2020 The Editorial Committee of Annals of Vascular Diseases.)

Objective: Surgical indications and procedures for hilar renal artery aneurysm (HRAA) are controversial in terms of invasiveness and feasibility. Catheter treatment is minimally invasive but leads to renal dysfunction due to renal infarction. This study aims to investigate the results of surgical repair of HRAA. Method: Fourteen patients (58.7±11.6 years old, 7 male) who underwent surgical repair of HRAA were retrospectively reviewed. Nine patients (64%) developed HRAA in the right renal artery, and the mean maximum aneurysmal diameter was 25.9±10.3 mm. HRAA was exposed via the extraperitoneal approach. HRAA was resected completely, and reconstruction of renal arteries was performed by direct closure in two, direct anastomosis in nine, and interposition of saphenous vein graft in three patients. Results: The average operation and renal ischemic times were 186±49 and 35±16 min, respectively. No operative death occurred, and postoperative renal function at the time of discharge had not deteriorated (creatinine, 0.74±0.15 mg/dl). During the follow-up periods (4.7±5.1 years), there was no death, no new introduction of hemodialysis, and no recurrence of renal artery aneurysm. Conclusion: Surgical repair of HRAA remains a valid option because of its operative safety, preservation of renal function, and long-term feasibility and patency., Competing Interests: Disclosure StatementAll authors had no conflict of interest and financial relationship., (© 2020 The Editorial Committee of Annals of Vascular Diseases.)

Objectives: Although the advent of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has provided an alternative treatment option for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA), open repair still plays a crucial role in DTAA repair. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the operative and long-term outcomes of open repair with partial cardiopulmonary bypass, compared to the results of TEVAR with a proximal landing zone of 3 or 4., Methods: Between 2007 and 2017, open repair was performed for 44 patients and TEVAR for 282 patients. Acute aortic dissection and open proximal anastomosis under circulatory arrest were excluded. Perioperative and long-term follow-up data were analyzed., Results: In-hospital mortality rate (4.5% vs 3.2%, p = 0.42), and frequencies of spinal cord injury and neurological deficit showed no significant differences between the open repair and TEVAR groups (p = 0.41, 0.25, respectively). The propensity score-matched analysis showed similar cumulative survival (p = 0.23), but significantly higher reintervention rates for the repaired segment in the TEVAR group than in the open repair group (p = 0.0054). Twenty-two (7.8%) TEVAR patients required re-interventions for the repaired segment. Of those, 17 patients underwent additional TEVAR and 5 patients needed open conversion surgery with partial cardiopulmonary bypass. Reintervention rates for the repaired segment were significantly higher in the TEVAR group than in the open repair group (p = 0.012)., Conclusions: Open repair DTAA using partial cardiopulmonary bypass showed operative outcomes comparable to TEVAR and lower reintervention rates, and thus remains an acceptable procedure for selected patients in this era of endovascular repair.

Objectives: This study aimed to review the clinical results of young adult patients with aortic disease associated with mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1) and disclose the histologic differences between the ascending and descending aortas., Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, 94 patients aged less than 50 years underwent surgery for thoracic aortic diseases. Forty-two patients (44.7%) had FBN-1 mutations. Of these, 40 patients (42.5%) with surgical specimens for histologic evaluation were included in the study. With the histologic results including the specimen sampled at their previous operations, cystic medial necrosis was classified into 3 grades according to the degree of the cystic area., Results: Thirty-nine patients (97.5%) had aortic root dilatation (Z ≥2), and 13 patients (32.5%) had ectopia lentis. Thirty-nine patients (97.5%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Marfan syndrome. There were no in-hospital deaths. The majority (27/29: 93.1%) of the specimens of the ascending aorta revealed cystic medial necrosis pattern. With grade III being the most severe condition, these cases were classified into grade I (n = 2), grade II (n = 5), and grade III (n = 20). In contrast, only 6 specimens (6/17: 35.3%) of the descending aorta showed a cystic medial necrosis pattern that was classified into grade I (n = 2) and grade III (n = 4), (P < .00001)., Conclusions: Fewer specimens of the descending aorta revealed cystic medial necrosis compared with those of the ascending aorta. This difference might influence the characteristic aortic disease in Marfan syndrome associated with FBN-1 mutations., (Copyright © 2019 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Because endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) lowers the lumbar arterial blood flow, we hypothesized that the volume of the psoas muscle decreases after surgery. When internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization is performed, the lumbar arterial blood flow further decreases; therefore, we also hypothesized that the decrease in the volume of the psoas muscle becomes more significant. This study was performed to assess the volume change in the psoas muscle after EVAR., Methods: Fifty-three consecutive patients who underwent EVAR from January 2016 to December 2016 were included. The psoas muscle volume was measured by preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT). Postoperative CT scans were performed 6-12 months after EVAR. Axial CT images with a 2-mm slice thickness were used to measure the psoas muscle volume. Data were transferred to a 3-dimensional workstation, and the psoas muscle volume was measured., Results: In the EVAR group, the volume of the psoas muscle decreased by an average of 5.8 mL (4.6%) from 114.8 ± 32.0 mL preoperatively to 109.0 ± 30.3 mL postoperatively (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the change in the psoas muscle volume between patients with and without IIA embolization (embolization group: preoperative 118.1 ± 31.0 mL, postoperative 107.5 ± 29.2 mL, mean volume change rate -8.8%; nonembolization group: preoperative 114.0 ± 32.3 mL, postoperative 109.4 ± 30.7 mL, mean volume change rate -3.6%; P < 0.05)., Conclusions: The psoas muscle volume is reduced with EVAR. Moreover, when the IIA is embolized, the psoas muscle volume is further reduced., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The on-road driving test is considered a 'gold standard' evaluation; however, its validity and reliability have not been sufficiently reviewed. This systematic review aimed to map out and synthesize literature regarding on-road driving tests using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments checklist. Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were searched from initiation through February 2018. All articles addressing reliability or validity of on-road driving tests involving adult rehabilitation patients were included. The search output identified 513 studies and 36 articles, which were included in the review. The Washington University Road Test/Rhode Island Road Test, performance analysis of driving ability, test ride for investigating practical fitness-to-drive, and K-score demonstrated high reliability and validity in regard to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments checklist. The Washington University Road Test/Rhode Island Road Test and test ride for investigating practical fitness-to-drive were analyzed based on Classical Test Theory techniques, and performance analysis of driving ability and K-score were analyzed based on Item Response Theory techniques. The frequency of studies were Washington University Road Test/Rhode Island Road Test (n=9), Test Ride for Investigating Practical fitness-to-drive (n=8), performance analysis of driving ability (n=4), and K-score (n=1). From the viewpoint of accuracy and generalization, the Washington University Road Test/Rhode Island Road Test, test ride for investigating practical fitness-to-drive, and performance analysis of driving ability were identified as highly qualified concerning on-road driving tests. However, the ability to assess real-world driving depends on various environmental conditions.

Objectives: In patients with acute type A aortic dissection, the use of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure with total arch replacement (TAR) has been indicated for emergency operations to obtain thrombosis of the distal false lumen (FL). However, data comparing the FET and the classical elephant trunk (CET) procedures, including the incidences of mortality, morbidity, spinal cord injury and aortic remodelling, have not yet been reported. The goal of this study was to compare the early outcomes of TAR with the FET and the CET procedures., Methods: The past 7 years of medical records of 323 patients with type A aortic dissection who underwent emergency surgery were reviewed retrospectively, and 148 patients who underwent TAR were shortlisted for the study. First, the patients were divided into 2 groups, the CET group (n = 115; age 65 ± 12 years) and FET group (n = 33; 67 ± 11 years), to compare the early operative outcomes, including mortality and morbidity. Second, 86 patients (CET 56; FET 30) fulfilling the inclusive criteria (inserted length of elephant trunk ≥5 cm, involvement of dissection at the descending aorta and sufficient computed tomographic evaluation at ≥6 months after the operation) were compared to evaluate the patency and diameter of the FL at each segment of the downstream aorta., Results: The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.1% (12/148), without significant differences between the 2 groups (CET 8.7% vs FET 6.1%; P = 1). No spinal cord ischaemia was encountered in either group. The incidence of postoperative FL patency at the level of the left lower pulmonary vein was 30% in the FET group, which was significantly lower than that in the preoperative state (73%) and in the CET group (77%). The downsizing of the aortic diameter at the distal edge of the CET or the FET, the left lower pulmonary vein and the coeliac axis was significant in the FET group 6 months after TAR., Conclusions: According to our initial experience, the FET compared to the CET procedure showed comparable early complications and an advantage concerning FL thrombosis and aortic remodelling at early follow-up examinations., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Artificial cells that encapsulate DNA-programmable protein expression machinery are emerging as an attractive platform for studying fundamental cellular properties and applications in synthetic biology. However, interfacing these artificial cells with the complex and dynamic chemical environment remains a major and urgent challenge. We demonstrate that the repertoire of molecules that artificial cells respond to can be expanded by synthetic RNA-based gene switches, or riboswitches. We isolated an RNA aptamer that binds histamine with high affinity and specificity and used it to design robust riboswitches that activate protein expression in the presence of histamine. Finally, the riboswitches were incorporated in artificial cells to achieve controlled release of an encapsulated small molecule and to implement a self-destructive kill-switch. Synthetic riboswitches should serve as modular and versatile interfaces to link artificial cell phenotypes with the complex chemical environment.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess differences in midterm outcomes between total arch replacement (TAR) and debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair (d-TEVAR) and to evaluate the validity of d-TEVAR as the preferred treatment choice for aortic arch aneurysm in the elderly., Methods: We reviewed the case histories of 86 patients who had undergone TAR (64 men; mean age 78 ± 2.9 years) and 121 patients who had undergone d-TEVAR (90 men; mean age 82 ± 4.5 years) between 2007 and 2017; of these patients, 50 from each group were matched based on propensity scores to adjust for differences in patient characteristics., Results: Rates of freedom from all-cause mortality at 2 and 4 years were similar between the 2 groups (88% and 77% in the TAR group vs 82% and 64% in the d-TEVAR group, P = 0.11), but rates of freedom from reintervention at 2 and 4 years were significantly higher in the TAR group (100% and 96%) than in the d-TEVAR group (97% and 88%) (P = 0.004). Propensity score matching yielded similar survival rates of 88% and 85% for TAR vs 86% and 71% for d-TEVAR (P = 0.53) and comparable freedom from reintervention rates (100% and 97% in TAR, 98% and 90% in d-TEVAR, P = 0.16) at 2 and 4 years. Cox regression analysis identified previous cerebral infarction [hazard ratio (HR) 3.9; P = 0.005 in TAR/HR 3.1; P = 0.002 in d-TEVAR] as an independent positive predictor of overall mortality in both groups., Conclusions: Midterm outcomes after TAR and d-TEVAR were satisfactory and propensity score matching-based evaluation revealed no significant differences in outcomes, implying that d-TEVAR is an acceptable first-choice procedure for aortic arch aneurysm in patients older than 75 years., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Total arch replacement (TAR) is an established standard surgical procedure. We report >1000 cases of TAR using a 4-branched graft with antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) during a 15-year period., Methods: Since May 2001, 1005 patients who underwent total aortic replacement (mean age 69.8 ± 11.2 years; range, 9-92 years; 744 male) underwent TAR with a 4-branched graft. All surgeries were performed under hypothermia with ACP. There were 252 emergent operations for acute aortic dissection or aneurysm rupture. Concomitant operations included coronary arterial bypass grafting in 196 patients, aortic valve repair or replacement in 64, and aortic root replacements in 38., Results: The operation time was 482 ± 171 minutes, cardiopulmonary time was 254 ± 94 minutes, cardiac ischemia time was 145 ± 51 minutes, ACP time was 160 ± 47 minutes, and lower body circulatory arrest time was 62 ± 16 minutes. The hospital mortality rate was 5.2%. The permanent neurological dysfunction rate was 3.6% and temporary neurological dysfunction rate was 6.4%. There were no spinal cord complications. The 5-year survival rate was 80.7% and 10-year survival rate was 63.1%. Fifteen patients (1.5%) underwent reoperation for the arch grafts because of a pseudoaneurysm (11 patients), hemolysis (3 patients), and infection (1 patient)., Conclusions: TAR using a 4-branched graft with ACP could be accomplished with acceptable short- and long-term results., (Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Since 2012, we have routinely applied balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery to prevent embolic events through the left vertebral artery during debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair. This study aimed to study the effectiveness of balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery., Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 157 patients who underwent debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair between 2007 and 2017. Of these, 71 patients for whom balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery was used were assigned to the balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery group (58 men; age: 78 ± 6.7 years), and 86 patients were assigned to the control group (66 men; age: 78 ± 8.9 years). A total of 51 patients from each group were matched by their propensity scores to adjust for differences in the patients' characteristics., Results: Perioperative stroke was significantly lower in the balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery group than in the control group (0%: 0/71 vs 7.9%: 7/86, P = .014). Freedom from all causes of mortality at 2 and 4 years was significantly higher in the balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery group compared with the control group (93%/76% vs 77%/59%, P = .015). Freedom from aortic death at 2 and 4 years was similar in both groups (97%/97% vs 91%/86%, P = .094). Propensity score matching yielded similar results of better freedom from all causes of mortality in the balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery group (93%/93% vs 81%/63%, P = .017) and equivalent aortic death in both groups (95%/95% vs 92%/88%, P = .30)., Conclusions: Debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair using balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery demonstrated more appropriate early and late outcomes. Evaluation using propensity score matching enhanced the efficacy of balloon protection of the proximal left subclavian artery., (Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives : Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in patients <30 years old is relatively rare. We retrospectively analyzed patients <30 years who received an AAA replacement. Materials : Among 3,003 patients who received an AAA replacement during the last 40 years, 10 patients <30 years old were retrospectively reviewed. All patients suffered from a connective tissue disease: eight from Marfan syndrome and two from Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Five patients had a history of cardiovascular surgery. Aortic pathologies were a dissection type in eight patients and a non-dissection type in two. All patients received a graft replacement of infrarenal AAA, with a bifurcated graft in six patients and a straight graft in four. Results : Except for cases that were urgent and emergent, rapid aneurysm expansion was noted in all cases. Mean AAA diameter at surgery was 46.7±9.2 mm. No hospital mortality was recorded. Eight patients required 10 additional cardiovascular surgeries: two root replacements, two total arch replacements, two descending aortic replacements, and four thoracoabdominal replacements. Conclusion : AAA replacement in patients <30 years is safe. In younger patients with a connective tissue disease, AAA should be included in the routine medical check-up, and earlier surgical indication should be considered for its rapid expansion.

Objective: Open repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) has been regarded as one of the most invasive procedures in cardiovascular surgery. Conversely, endovascular technology currently enables the repair of the thoracoabdominal aorta, and this approach is less invasive. However, the long-term durability of this method of endovascular repair remains unknown. This investigation retrospectively analyzed the long-term durability of thoracoabdominal aorta repair in patients aged 50 and younger., Patients and Methods: Since 1995, 100 patients aged 50 and younger underwent thoracoabdominal aortic replacement at our institution. There were 63 males, and the average age was 38 ± 7. Ninety-six had aortic dissection as an aortic pathology. Marfan syndrome was found in 61 patients, Loeys-Dietz in 10, Acta 2 mutations in 4, aortitis in 2, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 1. There were 2 patients with a type I TAAA, 56 with a type II, 33 with a type III, and 9 with a type IV., Results: There were 3 hospital deaths (3%), of which 2 were emergent cases. Spinal cord injury occurred in 1 patient (1%). Two patients (2%) had wound complications. Three patients suffered cerebral hemorrhage and 1 had an intramedullary infection, of which all were associated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage. The 3-year survival rate after the operation was 94%, that of 5 years was 94%, and that of 10 years was 91%., Conclusions: Results of thoracoabdominal aortic replacement in patients aged 50 and younger were favorable. While spinal cord complications were rare, cerebrospinal drainage revealed several complications in this series. Evolving endovascular repair needs to be compared with these results, especially in patients aged 50 and younger.

Objectives: Aggressive total arch replacement (TAR) to obtain thrombosis of the distal false lumen (FL) in patients with Stanford Type A acute aortic dissection, particularly with a patent FL at the descending aorta, is discussed. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of our strategy., Methods: In the last 20 years, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 518 patients with Type A acute aortic dissection who underwent an emergent surgery. Among them, 290 patients with a preoperative patent FL at the descending aorta were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided in 2 groups: the non-TAR group (n = 124; 68 ± 14 years) and the TAR group (n = 166; 61 ± 13 years)., Results: In-hospital mortality was 11% (32/290) without significant difference between the 2 groups (the non-TAR group 13% vs the TAR group 10%, P = 0.45). The rates of FL thrombosis of the entire descending aorta were detected at 32% in the non-TAR group and 41% in the TAR group (P = 0.16). Freedom from distal aortic dilatation ≥50 mm was significantly higher in the TAR group (P = 0.03) than in the non-TAR group. Independent predictors of distal aortic dilatation >50 mm were patients in the non-TAR group (P = 0.01; hazard ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.28-8.05) and unachieved primary entry tear resection (P = 0.002; hazard ratio 6.2, 95% confidence interval 1.38-8.66)., Conclusions: Our surgical strategy with an aggressive entry resection with higher rate of TAR was acceptable. In patients with a patent FL at the descending aorta, TAR should be considered to prevent the future growth of the distal aorta.

Objectives: Arch repair using the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique has been utilized to treat Type A acute aortic dissection. In contrast, the long-term outcomes of the non-FET technique focus on the thrombosed false lumen (FL), and distal aortic reoperation rates remain unclear. The goal of our study was to investigate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of the non-FET technique as the benchmark., Methods: We reviewed 518 patients with Type A acute aortic dissection in the last 20 years. Among them, 139 hospital survivors (61 ± 12 years) who had undergone total arch replacement with the non-FET technique were enrolled. A total of 86% (120/139) of patients had a patent FL at the descending aorta preoperatively. The median follow-up period was 41 (1-219) months., Results: No spinal cord ischaemia and new entry tear formation were observed. Postoperative FL thrombosis of the entire descending aorta was obtained in 47% (66/139) and in 39% (47/120) of patients who had a patent FL preoperatively. Freedom from dissection-related distal reoperation rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 87%, 83%, 81% and 78%, respectively. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that the predictors of a dissection-related reoperation were connective tissue disease [hazard ratio (HR) 4.6, P = 0.006], re-entry at the superior mesenteric artery (HR 2.9, P = 0.04), unachieved primary entry resection (HR 5.3, P = 0.001) and preoperative maximum descending aortic diameter ≥38 mm (HR 11.6, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Total arch replacement with the non-FET technique was safe and reliable from the viewpoint of spinal cord ischaemia. Further comparative studies between the FET and the non-FET techniques are required.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous IMA (s-IMA) embolization during the endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR)., Materials and Method: From July 2007 to January 2011, 189 patients in the no embolization (NE) group underwent EVAR without the indication for s-IMA embolization. Since February 2011 to April 2014, 143 patients have undergone EVAR. Among these patients, 26 patients underwent s-IMA embolism under a predefined indication and constituted the simultaneous embolization (SE) group. The indications for s-IMA embolization were defined by preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings, as follows: (1) the diameter was greater than 2.5 mm and (2) no stenosis due to thrombus or calcification at its orifice., Results: The incidence of a type II endoleak from the IMA was 3.4% (5/143) in the SE group patients and 13.2% (25/189) in the NE group patients (p = 0.013), and the incidence of a type II endoleak from all branches (i.e., IMA, lumbar, medial sacral arteries) was 15.4% (22/143) in the SE group patients and 32.3% (61/189) in the NE group patients (p = 0.0003). During the follow-up period (range, 6-72 months; mean: 28 months), the reintervention rate for a type II endoleak from the IMA and/or other branches was 9.5% (18/189) in the NE group and 0.6% (1/143) in the SE group (p = 0.0001)., Conclusion: In selected patients, performing an s-IMA embolization, based on CT findings, decreased the incidence of a type II endoleak and reintervention from the IMA and from all branches.

Background: This study aimed to review our clinical results and determine how preoperative patent lumbar arteries (LAs) influence the occurrence of type II endoleaks or aneurysm sac enlargement after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and to identify the preoperative computed tomography findings of persistent type II endoleaks from patent LAs that indicate the need for preventive procedures during EVAR., Methods: A total of 293 patients who underwent EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) between August 2007 and July 2013 were reviewed. Follow-up data were available for 194 patients (76% male, mean age 78 ± 6.8 years), and the mean follow-up time was 57 ± 23 months., Results: The number of patent LAs was identified as a significant positive predictor of persistent type II endoleaks (hazard ratio [HR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-1.7; P < 0.001) and sac enlargement (≥5 mm) at the 2-year follow-up period (HR, 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.8; P = 0.009) after EVAR, using Cox regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC: 0.72) showed that a cutoff of 4 patent LAs resulted in a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 48%. The rates of freedom from sac enlargement (≥5 mm) at 3 and 5 years after EVAR were significantly lower in patients with 4 or more patent LAs than in those with fewer (90% and 76% vs. 96% and 89%; P = 0.0008)., Conclusions: The number of patent LAs is associated as a significant risk factor with the development of persistent type II endoleaks and sac enlargement after EVAR. Four or more patent LAs should be recognized as the group having an elevated risk of developing late sac enlargement after EVAR., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Partial sternotomy with limited skin incision has been utilized for cardiac surgery. We, therefore, started to apply the partial sternotomy for total arch replacement since 2013 in selected cases. The aim of this study reported the results of our early experiences., Methods: Between July 2013 and December 2015, we retrospectively reviewed 15 cases (median age 72, range 67-84, 15 male) who underwent total arch replacement thorough partial sternotomy. All procedures were performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest with selective cerebral perfusion., Results: Median skin incision was 9 cm (range 7-15 cm, 5.3% of height) and partial sternotomy consisted of 14 upper and 1 lower partial sternotomy (L shape 8 and T shape 7 cases). Median operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, ischemic heart time, selective cerebral perfusion time and hypothermic circulatory arrest time were 485 [360-770], 223 [1174-270], 146 [100-163], 154 [116-189], and 69 [45-90] minutes, respectively. Median duration of mechanical ventilator dependent time was 12 h [5-38]. Median length of ICU stay and hospital stay were 3 [1-7], and 18 [13-76] days, respectively. Thirty days and in-hospital mortality were 0% without any neurological complications. There are two aorta-related reoperation due to graft inducing hemolytic anemia and no aorta-related death during follow-up (median 954, range 702-1462 days)., Conclusion: The early results of total arch replacement through partial sternotomy were satisfactory. The partial sternotomy could be a good option for total arch replacement in selected patients.

Objectives: This study aimed to reveal the differences in intermediate outcomes between TAR and d-TEVAR in octogenarians and to identify risk factors for adverse events after aortic arch repair in octogenarians., Methods: We reviewed medical records of 125 patients aged > 80 years who underwent surgical intervention for aortic aneurysm between 2008 and 2016. Of these, 60 underwent conventional TAR (43 men; age, 82 ± 2.2 years) and 65 underwent d-TEVAR (49 men; age, 84 ± 3.4 years)., Results: Freedom from all causes of mortality at 2 and 4 years was similar (80 and 66% in TAR, 80 and 51% in d-TEVAR, p = 0.17). Freedom from aortic death at 2 and 4 years was similar (88 and 88% in TAR, 87 and 76% in d-TEVAR, p = 0.86). Using Cox regression analysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [hazard ratio (HR), 6.0; p = 0.008], malignancy (HR, 8.8; p = 0.004), previous cardiac and thoracic aortic surgery (required median sternotomy) (HR, 65.9; p = 0.012), perioperative stroke (HR, 12.6; p = 0.012), and postoperative pneumonia (HR, 5.8; p = 0.026) were identified as independent positive predictors of overall postoperative mortality for TAR, whereas neurological dysfunction (HR, 3.0; p = 0.016) and perioperative stroke (HR, 12.1; p = 0.023) were identified for d-TEVAR., Conclusions: TAR in octogenarians with COPD and/or malignancy showed higher mortality rates; d-TEVAR is more appropriate in these situations. The prevention of perioperative stroke, which is related with poor prognosis in both the groups, is critical.

Aim: To evaluate the surgical outcomes and midterm results of patients under 50 years old with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD)., Methods: The study population included 51 patients who underwent AAAD repair between 2003 and 2016. Of these 51 patients, 46 (90.1%) were males and 14 (27.5%) had connective tissue disorders. Twenty-five patients (49.0%) had a body mass index >25.0 kg/m 2 and two patients were pregnant. Total arch replacement was performed in 39 patients (76.5%) and hemiarch replacement in 12 patients (23.5%). Twenty patients (39.2%) underwent concomitant surgeries, including root replacement, lower limb bypass, or coronary artery bypass grafting., Results: There was one in-hospital death (2.0%). Median follow-up was 55 months and overall survival rates were 87.7% at 5 years and 81.9% at 10 years. Rates of freedom from reoperation were 60.2% at 5 years and 50.2% at 10 years. Eighteen patients (35.3%) required reoperation, due to progressive aortic dilatation, new dissection in the aortic root, infection, and hemolysis. A patent false lumen represented a significant risk factor for reoperation (P < 0.001). Four patients (7.8%) underwent reoperation within 3 months after the initial repair., Conclusions: Surgical outcomes after AAAD repair for young patients were satisfactory. A patent false lumen significantly increased the need for reoperation (P = 0.002), but did not affect long-term survival. Close follow-up is mandatory after the initial repair in young patients following AAAD., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: Although open repair is the standard surgical option for dissecting descending thoracic aneurysms (DTAs) and thoraco-abdominal aorta aneurysms (TAAAs), it remains a significant challenge with considerable perioperative morbidity and mortality. We retrospectively analysed early and late outcomes of open repair for these aortic aneurysms., Methods: Early and late outcomes were investigated for 223 consecutive patients who underwent open repair for dissecting DTA or TAAA between January 2003 and December 2014 (mean age 55 ± 16 years). The basic strategy for open surgery comprised liberal use of deep hypothermia and aggressive preservation or reattachment of intercostal arteries, i.e. donor arteries for the artery of Adamkiewicz., Results: Deep hypothermia was used in 150 (67.3%) patients. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 3.6% and 1.5% for elective cases. The rates of spinal cord ischaemic injury and stroke were 3.1% and 4.5%, respectively. During follow-up (mean 63 ± 40 months), overall 5-year survival rates was 89.2 ± 2.4% and 91.3 ± 2.8% and 86.3 ± 4.1% for DTA and TAAA, respectively. Five- and 10-year rates of freedom from aortic events, defined as surgery for initial operation-related events or for downstream aortic dilation, were 89.1 ± 3.5% and 68.2 ± 7.8% for DTA and 100% and 96.6 ± 3.4% for TAAA, respectively (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Our approach in treating this aortic pathology showed favourable early and long-term outcomes with acceptable neurological complication rates. More careful follow-up is necessary in patients with DTA repair, because downstream aortic enlargement occurs in some patients., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Actin, alpha-2, smooth muscle, aorta (ACTA2) mutations are one of the major causes of familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. The aim of this study was to review our clinical results of young adult patients with aortic disease caused by ACTA2 mutations., Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 251 patients (<50 years old) who underwent surgery for thoracic aortic diseases between 2004 and 2014. Among them, nine patients (3.5%) had ACTA2 mutations. Their average age was 35 years (range 22-47) and two patients (22.2%) were males. No patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Marfan syndrome. Preoperative diagnoses included annulo-aortic ectasia (n = 2), localized dissection of the sinus of Valsalva (n = 2), acute type B aortic dissection (n = 1), and chronic type B (n = 4). Eight patients (88.9%) had hypertension., Results: A thoracoabdominal aortic replacement was required in three patients who had descending replacement for residual chronic type B aortic dissection. A patient who had thoracic endovascular aortic repair for complicated acute type B aortic dissection showed no aortic dilatation for 7 years after TEVAR. Histological results revealed cystic medial necrosis (CMN) in most cases (7/8; 87.5%)., Conclusion: Surgical outcomes for patients with ACTA2 mutations were satisfactory. CMN was a major histological finding and family history of aortic event was detected in only half of the patients with ACTA2 mutations. Despite no characteristic physical findings besides hypertension, connective tissue disease including ACTA2 mutations should be considered for aortic dissection in young adult patients.

Background : Although endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm has been found to be beneficial in very elderly patients, some patients have contraindications to this procedure. For nonagenarians, the results of open repair remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of open vs. endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm in nonagenarian patients. Methods and Results : Fourteen patients undergoing open surgical repair and 24 undergoing endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm were evaluated. There was no significant difference in early mortality between the open and endovascular groups (0% vs. 4.1%, p=0.16). The open repair group required much longer hospital stays (26.4 vs. 10.6 days, respectively, p=0.003). Finally, 12 patients (86%) undergoing open repair vs. 21 (88%) undergoing endovascular repair returned home (p=0.49). During a mean follow-up period of 23.4±23.5 months, cumulative estimated 1- and 3-year survival rates were 90.0% and 48.0%, respectively in the open repair group and 90.6% and 54.9%, respectively in the endovascular repair group (p=0.51). Conclusion : Although endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm was superior in terms of recovery, the results of conventional open repair were acceptable even in nonagenarian patients. Open repair remains an alternative for patients with contraindications to endovascular repair.

Spinal cord injury remains a major adverse event of extended thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic surgical procedures. Preoperative identification of the Adamkiewicz artery and prompt reattachment of the targeted intercostal arteries during operation should contribute to preventing spinal cord injury. In this report, we describe a simple and definite identification of the critical intercostal artery during extended descending and thoracoabdominal aortic surgical procedures., (Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study aims to determine whether warfarin therapy influences the occurrence of endoleaks or aneurysm sac enlargement after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR)., Methods: A total of 367 patients who underwent EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2007 and 2013 were recruited for this study. Satisfactory follow-up data including completed computed tomography scan follow-up for more than 2 years were available for 209 patients, and the mean follow-up time was 37 ± 12 months. Twenty-nine (16%) patients were on warfarin therapy (warfarin group), whereas 180 (84%) patients were not on warfarin therapy (control group)., Results: Two- and four-year freedom rates for persistent type II endoleaks were significantly lower in patients of the warfarin group compared with the control group (85 and 49% vs 93 and 91%, respectively; P = 0.0001). Similarly, 2- and 4-year freedom rates for sac enlargement (>5 mm) were significantly lower in patients of the warfarin group compared with the control group (83 and 61% vs 92 and 82%, respectively; P = 0.0036). Using Cox regression analysis, the warfarin therapy was identified to be an independent positive predictor of sac enlargement after EVAR [hazard ratio (HR): 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-5.40; P = 0.032], together with persistent type II endoleak. Warfarin therapy was also an independent predictor for persistent type II endoleak (HR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.81-7.41; P < 0.0001) together with the number of patent lumbar arteries., Conclusions: Results suggested that warfarin therapy was significantly associated with an increased risk for persistent II endoleak and sac enlargement after EVAR., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

The method of hybrid arch thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat aneurysm with zone 0 landing has changed according to its invasiveness and complications. The real chimney technique allows supra-aortic bypass from ascending aorta without side clamp is the current choice of treatment. The comprehensive strategy to prevent stroke during hybrid arch TEVAR consisting of magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo for evaluation of the atheromatous change and balloon protection of the left subclavian artery has contributed for the marked reduction of stroke. Our current strategy of hybrid arch TEVAR with zone 0 landing is discussed.

In Lake Shinji, Japan, periodic outbreaks of musty odour have occurred since mid-May 2007. Although the substance responsible for the odour was identified as geosmin, the odour-producing organism was unknown. We cultivated an axenic unialgal strain and determined that a species of Coelosphaerium (Synechococcales) was responsible for the production of geosmin in Lake Shinji. Our analysis was conducted using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine the odorous compound. To determine the algae species, it was observed by optical microscopy to describe its morphological characteristics and the polymerase chain reaction was used to characterise the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer region. In addition, we explored the relationship between the number of cells of the Coelosphaerium sp. and the concentration of geosmin. In conclusion, geosmin, the cause of the musty odour in Lake Shinji in autumn 2009, was produced by Coelosphaerium sp., and to our knowledge, this is the first report of a geosmin-producing species in the family Coelosphaeriaceae., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Background: To address the lack of information about the size of ruptures associated with chronic dissection in the descending and thoracoabdominal aorta, we evaluated the natural history of this pathology., Methods and Results: We analyzed data from 571 patients (mean age, 69.4±11.6 years) with unrepaired chronic aortic dissection in the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta with a maximal aortic diameter of ≥3.5 cm from 2007 to 2014. This was a cross-sectional study. Data on the timing of computed tomographic scan were as follows: for ruptured cases: at the time of rupture; for nonruptured cases: the initial aortic diameter. Patients with connective tissue disorders were excluded. The primary end point was evidence of aortic rupture on computed tomographic images. The median maximal diameter was 4.3 cm (limits, 3.5-9.0 cm) for all aortas and 5.6 cm (n=31; limits, 3.6-8.0 cm) for ruptured aortas. For aortic diameters of 4.0 to 4.4, 4.5 to 4.9, 5.0 to 5.4, 5.5 to 5.9, and 6.0 to 6.4 cm, the incidence of rupture was 0%, 3.3%, 15.3%, 18.8%, and 28.6%, respectively. The risk factors for rupture were absence of hypertension, chronic heart failure, chronic-phase dissection, and Yale index., Conclusions: The risk of aortic rupture increased with an aortic diameter of ≥5.0 cm in patients with chronic aortic dissection in the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta. We would recommend 5.0 cm as an acceptable size for elective resection of subacute or chronic aortic dissection in the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta., (© 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Bottom hypoxia and consequential hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) release from sediment in eutrophic estuaries is a major global environmental issue. We investigated dissolved oxygen, pH and H 2 S concentration profiles with microsensors and by sectioning sediment cores followed by colorimetric analysis. The results of these analyses were then compared with the physicochemical properties of the bottom water and sediment samples to determine their relationships with H 2 S production in sediment. High organic matter and fine particle composition of the sediment reduced the oxidation-reduction potential, stimulating H 2 S production. Use of a microsensor enabled measurement of H 2 S concentration profiles with submillimetre resolution, whereas the conventional sediment-sectioning method gave H 2 S measurements with a spatial resolution of 10 mm. Furthermore, microsensor measurements revealed H 2 S consumption occurring at the sediment surface in both the microbial mat and the sediment anoxic layer, which were not observed with sectioning. This H 2 S consumption prevented H 2 S release into the overlying water. However, the microsensor measurements had the potential to underestimate H 2 S concentrations. We propose that a combination of several techniques to measure microbial activity and determine its relationships with physicochemical properties of the sediment is essential to understanding the sulfur cycle under hypoxic conditions in eutrophic sediments.

A simple and rapid in situ method for the determination of hydrazine based on the concentration of aldazine compound formed by the reaction of hydrazine with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde was developed. This method was based on solid-phase extraction using a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge, followed by the quantification of hydrazine using a spectrophotometric method. To a sample solution of environmental water, p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde solution was added to form aldazine by the reaction with hydrazine. The solution was passed through a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge for the adsorption of aldazine. In the laboratory, the aldazine adsorbed on the Sep-Pak C18 cartridge was eluted by passing a hydrochloric acid-ethanol (1:10) solution through the cartridge, and the color intensity of the solution was measured at 457 nm. The limit of detection for the new method was 0.2 mgN L -1 of hydrazine. The determination of hydrazine in solution was not influenced even by hydrogen sulfide and organic matter. This method was then applied to the brackish water of Lake Nakaumi in the eastern area of Shimane Prefecture, Japan. This method was used to determine hydrazine in freshwater, seawater and wastwater.

We developed a method for quantifying trace NH 2 OH in brackish- and sea-water samples. Previously reported methods applicable to fresh water cannot be applied to such samples. We determined that interference in seawater owing to the bromide ion can be removed by the addition of phenol. In our procedure, phenol and hypochlorite solutions were added to a sample solution to oxidize NH 2 OH to N 2 O. N 2 O in the sample was then quantified by headspace analysis. The method is not affected by the salt content or ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite at concentrations of 300 μgN L -1 or less. It has a limit of detection of 0.2 μgN L -1 , and can quantify NH 2 OH in natural water samples with a wide range of salinity. It was applied to samples from Lake Nakaumi, a brackish lake located in the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture, Japan.