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A high-risk patient with aortic arch aneurysm, associated with severe calcification of the ascending aorta and iliac arteries, was treated with total debranching and antegrade thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) via the ascending aorta. Proximal anastomosis for a triple-branched graft to the ascending aorta was performed without side clamping using the "real chimney technique." After bypassing the supra-aortic branches, a TEVAR was performed in an antegrade fashion through the ascending aorta. This case suggests that the approaches mentioned above should be considered in patients with arch aneurysms and severe calcified degeneration.

Purpose Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has been used recently to measure the body water of patients with acute heart failure. We used BIA in this study to better understand, and possibly identify a predictive marker for, perioperative water behavior in cardiac surgery patients. Methods We measured body water and studied its behavior in 44 patients undergoing surgery for cardiac valvular disease at our hospital. Measurements included the levels of extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), and total body water, the edema index (EI), and the ratio of ECW to total body water. The first measured EI was defined as the “preoperative EI” and the maximum as the “peak EI”. Results A negative correlation was found between the preoperative EI and the preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (R = 0.644, p R = 0.625, p R = 0.366, p R = 0.464, p = 0.026). Conclusion The EI is possibly a predictive marker for perioperative water management in cardiac surgery.

Introduction and importance While the number of SAVR cases has been increasing for patients below their sixties due to the improvement of bioprosthetic valves, some early structural valve deterioration (SVD) in Trifecta valves has been reported. Case presentation We present a case of a female who presented with sudden shortness of breath. Ultrasonography diagnosed SVD. We performed redo aortic valve replacement due to SVD in Trifecta valve. With our surgical technique we could remove the bioprosthetic valve easily. Clinical discussion We could easily remove the mounted prosthetic valve along with the titanium band. These cases may emerge with acute heart failure due to sudden massive aortic regurgitation, not like the gradual progression of stenosis due to calcification. Conclusion The postoperative course in Trifecta recipients must be followed carefully., Highlights • Early structural valve deterioration with Trifecta valve • Postoperative patients using Trifecta valve should be carefully followed up. • Mounted Trifecta valve could easily be removed along with titanium band.

A 69-year-old man was treated with oral anticoagulation for the left ventricular (LV) aneurysm. Echocardiography revealed dyskinetic apex with a mobile thrombus. The estimated LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume index (LVEDVI, LVESVI) was 76 and 44 ml/m2, respectively. After the LV was opened at the apex parallel to the left anterior descending artery, removal of LV thrombus was performed. LV volume was 70 ml, and diameter of LV aneurysm was 3 cm. After setting a neo-apex, the boundary between the normal and aneurysmal scar tissue were doubly encircled by a pledgeted 2-0 polypropylene suture, and preserved the same diameter as the "aneurysmal neck" (3 cm) in order to secure the minimal residual LV volume. Similarly, second and third circular stitches were placed toward the neo-apex to make the ventricle into an elliptical shape. A postoperative echocardiography showed a well-reconstructed physiologic shape, LV volume( LVEDVI 62 ml/m2, LVESVI 27 ml/m2), and improved LV function.

Objectives The first aim of this study was to elucidate the detection rate of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in patients complaining of dysphagia with esophageal motility disorders; the second was to clarify the useful parameters of EGD associated with esophageal motility disorders. Methods Participants included 380 patients who underwent EGD before high-resolution manometry (HRM) for dysphagia. EGD findings were investigated according to the following five parameters: resistance when passing through the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), residue in the esophageal lumen, esophageal dilation, and spastic and nonocclusive contractions. HRM diagnoses were based on the Chicago classification (v3.0). Results The percentage of abnormal EGD findings was 64.4% among patients with esophageal motility disorders, and the results differed for each esophageal motility disorder. The rate of abnormal EGD for both EGJ outflow obstruction and major disorders of peristalsis was significantly higher than that for manometrically normal subjects. On multivariate analysis, resistance when passing through EGJ, residue in the esophageal lumen, spastic and nonocclusive contraction were significantly associated with esophageal motility disorders. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of these parameters for detection of esophageal motility disorders were 75.1%, 86.6%, 84.8% and 77.8%, respectively. Conclusion Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction and major disorders of peristalsis can be screened with EGD. Among several endoscopic parameters, resistance when passing through EGJ, residue in the esophageal lumen, spastic and nonocclusive contraction are considered significantly useful indicators.

Objective: We evaluated the long-term outcomes of obturator bypass. Material and Methods: A total of 16 patients (13 males and 3 females; 17 limbs) who underwent obturator bypass surgery at our department between April 1995 and March 2008 were included. Results: Their ages ranged from 50 to 90 with a mean of 74 years. Inguinal infections observed in the 16 patients consisted of vascular graft infections in 13 patients, hemostatic device infections following endovascular therapy in two patients, and femoral artery infections following coronary angiography in one patient. The cumulative patency rate was 69% for 3 years and 43% for 5 years. The cumulative survival rate was 64% for 3 years and 55% for 5 years. Conclusion: Obturator bypass surgery was successfully performed with favorable results for arterial infections and vascular graft infections in the inguinal region.

Sternal instability or dehiscence results in serious sternal wound infection. We sought to assess the early outcomes with such a plating system for sternal closure in comparison to the conventional wiring technique in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients who underwent off-pump CABG were enrolled. Thirty-one patients received plate sternal fixation. A total of 64 patients who underwent off-pump CABG by a single surgeon at our hospital from July 2013 to December 2014 were enrolled. Thirty-one patients received plate sternal fixation (Plate group), while 33 received conventional wire closure (Wire group). The early outcomes, including the pain score and analgesic usage count were compared. Dietary intake was also recorded to assess the duration of appetite loss. At discharge, the largest sternal displacement was measured on computed tomography. In the Plate group, the pain scores were significantly lower on post-operative day 5-8 and POD 9-12 from those in the Wire group. The analgesic usage count on POD 9-12 was significantly lower in the Plate group. The duration of appetite loss and hospital stay was significantly shorter in the Plate group. The displacement in both the anterior-posterior and lateral directions was significantly smaller in the Plate group. Sternal closure by rigid plate fixation contributes to a more rapid post-operative recovery through reduced pain.

An evaluation was made of the early clinical outcomes and efficacies of simple interrupted suturing (SIS) for redo mitral valve replacement (MVR).Among 336 mitral valve surgery patients at the authors' institution between April 2000 and May 2014, a total of 21 redo MVR using SIS (12 women, nine men; mean age 67±11 years; range 32-80 years) participated in the study. Surgical indications for redo MVR were paravalvular leakage (PVL) in 10 patients, prosthetic valve endocarditis in five, mechanical valve thrombosis in three, and structural valve deterioration (SVD) of the bioprosthesis in three. The number of previous surgeries was one in 10 patients, two in seven, and three in four. With regards to surgical technique, sharp dissection was initially performed on one side of the previous prosthetic sewing cuff, and the overall sewing cuff was thereafter completely removed following leaflet detachment. SIS (mean number of sutures 32.5 ± 3.0; range: 28-40 sutures) was performed to implant the new prosthesis, without exposing the rough surface of the previous mitral valve annulus, thereby allowing for eventual implantation of the same-sized or larger-sized prosthesis.The surgical procedure was successfully performed in all patients without any serious complications. Bioprostheses were selected for 11 patients, and mechanical valves for 10. Sixteen patients (76.2%) received a new prosthesis that was the same size as or larger than the previous prosthesis. Operative mortality within 30 days was 4.8%, which was similar to that of primary MVR in the same period (n = 83; 2.4%; p = 0.57). Recurrent PVL was detected in only one patient, who underwent a fourth surgery for SVD of the bioprosthesis.SIS for redo MVR may allow for the implantation of larger prostheses, and this novel maneuver may achieve acceptable early clinical outcomes.

Infective coronary artery aneurysm is extremely rare and ruptured aneurysm is life-threatening. We report a case of ruptured coronary artery aneurysm, which was successfully treated by the patch closure technique and coronary artery bypass grafting. Pathological examination revealed purulent inflammation in the aneurysmal wall. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment were essential.

Background The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of advanced age on the postoperative course in open aortic arch repair using hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. Methods Of 158 consecutive patients who underwent open total arch repair between 2008 and 2012, we retrospectively compared outcomes between octogenarians (group E: mean age, 83.0 ± 3.1 years [n = 40]) and their younger counterparts (group Y: mean age, 68.2 ± 10.2 years [n = 118]), and evaluated risk factors for an adverse postoperative course. Results The overall 30-day mortality was 7.0% (11/158), and by excluding 54 emergent cases, 30-day mortality was 4.8% (5/104). Ruptured cases were significantly observed in group E (17.5% [7/40] vs 3.4% [4/118]; P = .006). There were no significant differences in postoperative early results, including neurologic adverse events (12.5% [5/40] vs 6.8% [8/118]; P = .317) and 30-day death (12.5% [5/40] vs 5.1% [6/118]; P = .147) between groups E and Y. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed rupture, preoperative consciousness disorder, and extended circulatory arrest time (≥67 minutes) were risk factors for serious complications (neurologic adverse events and 30-day death) (odds ratio [OR], 10.9 [ P = .010]; OR, 5.2 [ P = .040]; and OR, 3.5 [ P = .028], respectively). A ruptured aorta was detected as an independent predictor of postoperative extended intensive care unit and hospital stay by multivariate linear regression analysis ( P = .001 and P = .007, respectively). Conclusions Advanced age was not associated with serious postoperative complications and adverse postoperative course.

Background: In recent years, minimally invasive cardiac surgery has been developed. Thus far, only at our institute has port-access aortic valve replacement (PAVR) been performed in Japan. Herein we review our experiences with PAVR, and evaluate the surgical outcomes. Methods and Results: Between May, 2007 and June, 2010, 37 cases of PAVR were performed. During the same period, 107 patients underwent conventional aortic valve replacement (CAVR) with midline sternotomy. Because we initially selected patients without high risk factors for PAVR, there were some differences in the preoperative demographic data between the CAVR and PAVR groups. Although cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamp time were longer in the PAVR group (139±28 vs. 113±34min; 97±23 vs. 83±24min), there were no significant differences in total operative time between both groups. With regard to the percentage of blood transfusion requirement, postoperative ventilation time, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay the PAVR group had significantly lower outcomes (11 vs. 90; 3.4±1.9h vs. 8.2±16.3h; 1.2±0.6 days vs. 2.5±1.7 days; 11.1±4.3 days vs. 19.7±7.8 days, respectively). There were no significant differences in mortality (1/37), and morbidity between both groups. Conclusions: PAVR a feasible treatment of choice for patients with aortic valve diseases complicated by various preoperative backgrounds. (Circ J 2011; 75: 1656-1660)

A coronary artery aneurysm is uncommon and frequently asymptomatic. This report presents a surgical case of a giant coronary artery aneurysm complicated by acute myocardial infarction. A 26-year-old man with sudden chest pain was referred to our hospital. Myocardial infarction was suspected, and emergency coronary angiography was performed. A giant coronary aneurysm was found in the mid-portion of the right coronary artery. The aneurysm, which was thrombosis-occluded, was successfully resected, and the right coronary artery was anastomosed in an end-to-end fashion. Although the strategy for treating a coronary artery aneurysm without myocardial ischemia remains controversial, surgical intervention should be considered in cases with a giant coronary artery aneurysm, even if asymptomatic, provided the surgical risk is low.

A 65-year-old man presenting with visceral malperfusion complicating acute type A aortic dissection underwent emergent surgery. Bypass grafting from the right common iliac artery to the superior mesenteric artery was performed prior to central aortic repair because intestinal ischemia caused hemodynamic instability. Subsequently, the ascending aorta was replaced with a Dacron graft under a condition of circulatory arrest with selective cerebral perfusion. Endotoxin adsorption was carried out intraoperatively in parallel with cardiopulmonary bypass to prevent postoperative end-organ failure. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from our hospital 31 days after surgery.

Spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a rare condition. Here we report 2 cases of spontaneous SMA dissection causing acute abdomen. Bowel infarction did not occur in either case despite total occlusion or severe stenosis of the SMA;we successfully managed isolated SMA dissection without surgical intervention. Our nonoperative management regimen for spontaneous SMA dissection consisted of intestinal rest with fasting, administration of a vasodilator, and blood pressure control. Surgical intervention should be unnecessary unless complications, such as intestinal infarction and abdominal angina, occur.

A 72-year-old man suffering from exertional dyspnea was admitted to our hospital. A computed tomography scan revealed a huge tumor occupying the interatrial septum and growing toward both the right and left atria. The tumor was successfully excised via the superior septal approach. Histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed that it was a myxoma. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from our hospital 28 days after surgery. He received a permanent pacemaker implant due to sick sinus syndrome 12 months after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of resection of intraseptal biatrial myxoma.

Activation of inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may lead to considerable post-operative mortality. Recently, pentoxifylline (PTX), a methylxanthine derivative, has been reported to be effective in inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production. This study aimed to determine whether or not PTX prevented CPB-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Thirty adult patients were randomly separated into 2 experimental groups and 1 control group of 10 patients each. The experimental group received peroral PTX administration (Group 1: 600 mg/day, Group 2: 900 mg/day), while the control group did not. In Group 1 and Group 2, PTX administration was started on preoperative day 5 and continued for 5 days. Serum levels of PTX and IL-6 were measured just before and at 4 h after CPB using HPLC and ELISA, respectively. Respiratory index (RI) before and at 4 h after CPB was calculated, and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen on postoperative day 1 were also determined. There were no significant differences in age, body weight, sex, surgical procedures, CPB time, haemodynamics or risk factors among the 3 groups. Serum IL-6 level and RI index after CPB in Group 2 were significantly decreased compared with those in Group 1 and the control group. These results, therefore, suggested that preoperative daily administration of 900 mg/day PTX contributed to the attenuation of CPB-induced SIRS and had a beneficial effect on the postoperative course after cardiovascular surgery.

症例は76歳，女性．後腹膜脂肪肉腫およびその再発のため手術5回と化学療法を施行した既往を有し，そのフォロー中に MRI 検査で心尖部に異常影を認め，右心室造影検査で右心室瘤と診断した．手術は胸骨正中切開によりアプローチし，瘤は小指頭大で心嚢膜との癒着は認めなかった．瘤を取り囲むように右室心筋全層を巾着縫合し，瘤を切開して血液漏出のないことを確認して同切開部位を縫合閉鎖した．採取した瘤壁の病理組織診断では心筋成分は認めず，心外膜下心室瘤と診断した．術後は良好に経過し，術後15日目に退院した．

低肺機能，カテーテル閉鎖術不成功であった高齢者心房中隔欠損症に対して剣状突起下アプローチによる低侵襲手術にて閉鎖し良好な術後経過を得たためここに報告する．症例は78歳，女性．心雑音を契機に心エコーにて心房中隔欠損症（2次孔欠損型17mm）と診断され，労作時呼吸苦を認めた．第1選択として他院にてカテーテル閉鎖治療を試みられるも左房前後径が小さくカテーテル閉鎖不可能であった．漏斗胸であり術前より拘束性肺障害（％努力性肺活量37％）を認めたため肺機能に影響の最も少ない剣状突起下アプローチにより心房中隔欠損を閉鎖した．術直後2日間は非侵襲的人工呼吸管理（noninvasive positive pressure ventilation:NPPV）にて呼吸補助を必要としたが，以後の術後経過は良好であった．

Mycotic aortic aneurysm caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is extremely rare and 3 cases of K. pneumoniae-induced mycotic aortic aneurysm are present, 2 of which were located in the aortic arch and the other in the suprarenal abdominal aorta. Urgent surgery was performed for 2 cases because of impending aneurysmal rupture and progressive septic shock, whereas elective surgery was performed after radical antibiotic chemotherapy for the other case. In-situ reconstruction with rifampicin-bonded prosthetic grafts was performed, and no infective complications have occurred in any of the cases.

右鎖骨下動脈起始異常は右鎖骨下動脈が大動脈弓の第4分枝として胸部下行大動脈から分岐する発生異常である.われわれは2例の右鎖骨下動脈起始異常を伴った胸部大動脈瘤に対して弓部大動脈全置換術を施行した.2例とも右鎖骨下動脈は大動脈弓の第4分枝として左鎖骨下動脈より末梢から分岐しており,起始部の拡張を認め,食道・気管の背側を横走していた.手術は低体温循環停止,選択的脳分離体外循環下に右鎖骨下動脈再建を含む弓部大動脈全置換術を施行した.右鎖骨下動脈は気管前方経路で再建した.術後経過は良好で,とくに合併症もなく独歩退院した.

Recently, the concept of minimally invasive surgery has been expanding in cardiothoracic surgery. Minimally invasive cadiac surgery( MICS) is characterized by the avoidance of full sternotomy and minimizing of surgical incision. The advantages of this approach include less postoperative discomfort and earlier mobilization and discharge. Since port-access cardiac surgery for atrial septal defect was performed in March 2005, we have improved the devices and procedure and actively applied port-access surgery to mitral valve disorders and various cardiac diseases. MICS patients were, on average, extubated sooner and discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital earlier than coventional procedures patients. Additionally, MICS patients had less risk of receiving a blood transfusion. We believe recently advanced MICS is a very feasible surgical option, and that, in the near future, the MICS technique can be used for patients with a variety of preoperative backgrounds and more complex cardiovascular disorders.

The Usefulness of Brachial Artery Cannulation, Perfused Ventricular Fibrillation with Moderate Hypothermia, and Minimal Dissection Techniques It has been reported by several authors that a right thoracotomy for mitral valve surgery can be useful after previous coronary aortery bypass grafting (CABG). A 76-year-old man with mitral valve regurgitation after previous CABG underwent mitral valve replacement with some modified techniques. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established with right brachial artery cannulation and right femoral venous cannulation with the aid of vacuum-assisted venous drainage. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced by rapid pacing of the ventricle, and mitral valve replacement was performed under perfused VF with moderate hypothermia. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. This method appears to be a safe and easy alternative mitral valve surgery for complicated cases of this type.

Cardiovascular syphilis is associated with the tertiary stage of syphilis infection; it involves the ascending aorta and can cause aortic aneurysm, aortic regurgitation, and coronary ostial stenosis. We report a surgical case of bilateral coronary ostial lesion and aortic regurgitation due to syphilitic aortitis.

An 86-year-old woman was admitted for emergency treatment of increasing dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed decreased left ventricular systolic function with dyskinesis at the apex, and severe aortic stenosis. The apex of the left ventricle showed a huge mobile thrombus. Coronary angiography revealed total occlusion at the middle portion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Emergency operation was successful, and a partially calcified thrombus was observed at the site of the old myocardial infarction area. In this case, myocardial infarction and elevated intraventricular pressure due to aortic stenosis likely contributed to the wall motion abnormality and thrombus formation.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) is a known serious complication of myocardial infarction or mitral valve replacement. As an alternative option, transmitral patch repair for LVPA has been reported. However, it is very difficult to complete the procedure for LVPA with a large defect. A 68-year old man with a history of inferior myocardial infarction had undergone mitral valve repair. At 4 months after surgery, the presence of a giant LVPA in the posteroinferior left ventricular wall was revealed. We performed transmitral patch repair through minithoracotomy under a three-dimensional videoscope. Since the intracardiac operation was performed under only camera vision, the perspective supplied by the three-dimensional videoscope was very useful. Endoscopic patch repair was a much less invasive procedure, and we could obtain a great intracardiac view. This technique can be an appropriate option for the treatment of LVPA after cardiac surgery.

Distal anastomosis during total arch replacement for thoracic aortic aneurysm is at times difficult, and bleeding from it is a serious problem because of its limited surgical exposure. We have modified a new procedure, the branched graft inversion (BGI) technique. We investigated the effectiveness of our technique by comparing it with the conventional stepwise technique. Between January 2008 and August 2011, 40 patients, divided into two groups of 20 each, underwent elective total arch replacement. One group underwent surgery using BGI; the stepwise technique was performed on the remaining 20 patients. Our modified BGI technique offers easy and secure distal anastomosis under good surgical procedure, resulting in shorter durations of operation, cardiopulmonary bypass, and circulatory arrest (455.1±101.3 min versus 354.7±49.3 min, p0.001; 248.2±46.6 min versus 199.7±28.2 min, p0.001; 76.6±27.7 min versus 61.6±10.4 min, p=0.029, respectively). As a result, this technique could be a useful in performing total arch replacement.

A 57-year-old man with mitral and aortic valve stenosis was admitted to our hospital. An electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation. After receiving informed consent, we performed a double valve replacement (DVR) with bioprostheses and maze procedure, utilizing a port-access technique. The operation and aortic cross-clamping times were 460 and 228 min, respectively. The patient's recovery was uneventful and he was discharged from our hospital with a consistent sinus rhythm 22 days after surgery. This is the first case report of port-access DVR in Japan.

老年期に至るファロー四徴症(TOF)は極めて稀であり,心内修復術を行う際のリスクの評価や姑息術の選択など,小児期とは違った問題点がある.症例は65歳の男性.血液酸素飽和度が80%台で以前より労作時呼吸困難があったが,手術は拒否されてきた.安静時の呼吸困難をきたし,精査の結果,両心室機能は良好で肺動脈の発育もよく,側副血行路の発達も認めず,諸臓器の機能も比較的良好であったため,手術としての心内修復術を選択した.結果,術後経過は順調で,術後2週間で退院した.現在NYHA I度である.高齢者であっても,条件がよいファロー四徴症では安全に心内修復術が可能であると考えられた.

We report a case of acute early bioprosthetic failure after mitral valve replacement with completely preserved annuloventricular continuity. A 77-year-old man with left ventricular dysfunction underwent double valve replacement with Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprostheses. Routine postoperative echocardiography revealed 1.4 cm(2) of estimated mitral valve area, and computed tomography revealed a large thrombus in the left atrium. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a restricted opening of the bioprosthetic leaflets. After a month of strict anticoagulation therapy, cusp mobility improved, with a calculated mitral valve area of 3.5 cm(2); and the left atrial thrombus had almost disappeared 2 months after initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation. Surgeons should be watchful for bioprosthetic thrombosis in patients with left ventricular dysfunction who undergo mitral valve replacement with a preserved mitral subvalvular apparatus.

Combination of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and epicardial pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is a less-invasive option to treat atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease simultaneously. H However, the exposure and clamping of the left PV on a beating heart are technically challenging. We here demonstrate technical tips to perform off-pump concomitant epicardial PV isolation easily using a tape through the transverse pericardial sinus.

We describe a modified technique of left ventricular restoration after anterior myocardial infarction, referred to as endoventricular spiral plication (ESP). This technique was designed for surgical ventricular restoration with a modified spiral stitch and no patch plasty. A continuous spiral stitch can reconstruct the left ventricular shape both at the short and long axis, and appropriate restoration can be achieved by adjusting the tension of the string and the degree of spiral rotation.

Background:Right mini-thoracotomy and partial sternotomy are widely recognized as effective approaches in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the objective benefits of the respective approaches compared to the conventional approach.Methods and Results:A retrospective analysis was performed in 282 consecutive patients who underwent isolated and initial AVR at a single cardiovascular institute between May 2007 and December 2012. Mini-thoracotomy and partial sternotomy were performed in 62 (22%) and in 26 patients (9%), respectively. Propensity score matching produced 36 (mini-thoracotomy vs. full sternotomy) and 24 (partial sternotomy vs. full sternotomy) well-matched pairs. Compared to the conventional approach, mini-thoracotomy was associated with significantly shorter operative time (235±35 min vs. 272±73 min; P=0.009), lower prevalence of blood transfusion (42%, 15/36 vs. 67%, 24/36; P=0.025), and significantly shorter intensive care unit and postoperative hospital stay (1.4±0.8 days vs. 2.2±1.1 days, P=0.001; and 13.3±6.5 days vs. 21.5±10.3 days, P=0.001; respectively). There were no significant differences in operative and postoperative data between the partial sternotomy and full sternotomy groups.Conclusions:The objective benefits of right mini-thoracotomy included early rehabilitation and lower prevalence of blood transfusion. Significant advantages of partial sternotomy were not found. (Circ J 2014; 78: 2876–2881)

Background We introduced an initial large dose of modified St. Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution with the aim of providing both myocardial protection as well as a smooth intraoperative process. Methods In 90 cases of isolated aortic valve replacement, we used the modified technique of cardioplegia in 45 (group S) and conventional administration of glucose-insulin-potassium solution in 45 (group G). The patients were selected at random. In group S, we added 4 mEq of potassium to the original St. Thomas' Hospital solution and administered 30 mL·kg−1 as an initial dose. The temperature was decreased to 2℃. Results The mean of reperfusion time after declamping in group S was significantly shorter (16.7 ± 6.4 vs. 21.5 ± 10.0 min; p = 0.007). The average of postoperative maximum creatine kinase-MB was significantly lower in group S (25.6 ± 9.5 vs. 40.6 ± 37.2 IU·L−1; p = 0.014). On multivariate analysis, use of the modified cardioplegia and aortic crossclamp time were significantly associated with creatine kinase-MB level and reperfusion time after declamping. Conclusions This modified technique was an acceptable option that provided a bloodless operative field and avoided multiple cardioplegic administrations.

Although the Saphenous Vein Graft (SVG) is commonly grafted to the coronary artery with an end-to-side anastomotic technique, there is often a significant mismatch between the diameters of the SVG and the coronary artery, which may cause SVG failure. To overcome such a drawback of the standard end-to-side SVG anastomosis, we introduce a novel side-to-side anastomosis with distal end clipping of the SVG in coronary artery bypass grafting. The long-term outcome of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) depends predominantly on graft patency. Although an arterial graft is preferably used to improve long-term graft patency, a Saphenous Vein Graft (SVG) is also still widely used as a second bypass graft. The reported SVG patency ranging from 25% to >50% within 10 years was inferior to that of an arterial graft, despite considerable efforts to prevent SVG failure. Although the SVG is commonly grafted to the coronary artery with an end-to-side anastomotic technique, there is often a significant mismatch between the diameters of the SVG and the coronary artery, which may cause SVG failure. Moreover, the end-to-side anastomotic configuration has been reported to have an adverse effect on local hemodynamics, resulting in intimal hyperplasia in the long-term. The intimal hyperplasia, which is a major cause of late graft failure, has been shown to occur predominantly at the toe, heel, and bed of the host coronary artery around the distal anastomosis

A 73-year-old woman who had undergone ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) via a left thoracotomy 19 years earlier was admitted to our hospital under the diagnosis of thoracic aortic aneurysm. An enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed a saccular aneurysm measuring a maximum diameter of 28 mm in the lesser curvature of the distal aortic arch; she was diagnosed with an aneurysm of ductus arteriosus after surgery for PDA. We performed total aortic arch replacement with open stent-grafting through median sternotomy. This approach enabled us to avoid the risk of dissecting adhesions around the aneurysm and clamping the aorta distal to the aneurysm.

A 53-year-old man who had undergone aortic valve replacement with a Starr-Edwards ball valve prosthesis 39 years previously was admitted to our hospital under the diagnosis of ascending aortic aneurysm. Operative findings revealed that the ball valve was functioning normally. The markedly dilated ascending aorta was replaced with a 30-mm prosthetic vascular graft, and the ball valve was replaced with a19-mm bileaflet valve prosthesis. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged from our hospital 19 days after surgery. Dilatation of the ascending aorta in this case might have been caused by the poststenotic dilatation mechanism, which seems to be one of the long-term complications of Starr-Edwards ball valve implantation.

Background: KBT-3022 is a new antiplatelet agent whose main mechanism of action is cyclooxygenase inhibition. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of KBT-3022, as well as its antithrombocytic action and pharmacokinetics in elderly (≥65 years of age) and nonelderly patients. Methods: Patients with chronic arterial occlusive disease (arteriosclerosis obliterans or thromboangiitis obliterans) were divided into 2 groups: elderly (≥65 years of age) and nonelderly. KBT-3022 5 mg once daily was administered orally for 6 weeks. Blood sampling was performed before administration, at weeks 2 and 6, and 7 days after completion of administration. Platelet aggregation was measured with 3 aggregation inducers using the platelet-rich plasma transmission method: 3 concentrations of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (2, 5, and 10 μM); collagen 2 μg/mL; and arachidonic acid 2 mM. Plasma concentrations of the drug were measured at the same time points. Changes in platelet aggregation before and after administration of the study drug were compared using the paired t test. Results: A total of 21 patients were enrolled in this study (11 in the elderly [≥65 years of age] group and 10 in the nonelderly group). Nine patients in the elderly group and 10 in the nonelderly group were included in the analysis of inhibition of platelet aggregation. Drug plasma concentrations were analyzed in 8 patients in the elderly group and 9 in the nonelderly group. In both groups, KBT-3022 significantly ( P P P P P P 80% of patients. No patient withdrew because of exacerbation of disease or adverse events. Conclusion: In the present study, KBT-3022 5 mg administered orally once daily inhibited platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation returned to normal in most patients 7 days after completion of administration, indicating that the effects of KBT-3022 are reversible. There was no difference in inhibition of platelet aggregation between elderly and nonelderly patients, and the previously determined optimal dose of 5 mg once daily can thus be prescribed without regard to patient age.

Background: A number of antithrombotic agents are available for use in patients with arteriosclerotic disease. However, no guidelines have been established for their clinical use. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of various antithrombotic agents to inhibit experimentally induced platelet aggregation. Methods: Sixteen angina-free patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery >6 months before the start of this trial were studied. After a 4-week washout period, ticlopidine hydrochloride (TIC) 400 mg/d, dipyridamole (DIP) 300 mg/d, cilostazol (CIL) 200 mg/d, trapidil 300 mg/d, beraprost sodium 120 μg/d, aspirin dialuminate (ASP) 81 mg/d, ethyl icosapentate 1800 mg/d, and sarpogrelate hydrochloride (SAR) 300 mg/d were administered orally in sequence for 4 weeks each, and platelet aggregation activity was determined at the end of each 4-week period. There were no washout periods between medications. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) 2, 5, and 10 μmol/L; arachidonic acid 2 mmol/L; and collagen 2 μg/mL were used as agonists. Results: Medication was discontinued in 5 patients—2 patients while receiving DIP, 2 while receiving CIL, and 1 while receiving SAR—due to subjective symptoms. TIC suppressed platelet aggregation significantly at all 3 doses of ADP ( P P P P P P P Conclusions: These results show that TIC, ASP, and CIL, but not the other 5 agents studied, had a significant antithrombotic effect in this sample of patients, as measured by the platelet aggregation test.

症例は53歳, 女性. 37歳時に高安動脈炎と診断され47歳時より大動脈弁閉鎖不全症, 異型大動脈縮窄症を指摘されていた. その後, 上記の進行および僧帽弁閉鎖不全症のため次第に症状が進行しNYHA 3度となった. 大動脈弁置換術, 僧帽弁形成術に加え上行大動脈-腹部大動脈バイパスを行った. 体外循環中は腹腔内臓器の虚血防止のため, 上行大動脈に加えて大動脈終末部に吻合したグラフトからも送血した. 術後大動脈内の圧較差は消失し, 自覚症状も著明に改善した. 高安動脈炎症例で本例のように異型大動脈縮窄症を伴う場合は, 体外循環使用にあたって臓器の低灌流など血流の不均衡の予防およびそのモニター等様々な注意が必要であると思われた.

We present a 78-year-old man who developed Stanford type A aortic dissection seven years after aortic valve replacement. At the previous operation, the diameter of the ascending aorta was 40 mm. Three years later, computed tomography revealed the diameter to have expanded to 50 mm. Four years later, the patient developed aortic dissection with entry at the ascending aorta, and a graft replacement was performed.

An 82-year-old man with a mycotic aortic aneurysm of the distal arch underwent urgent surgery because of sepsis. The infected aortic arch was excised, replaced with a rifampicin-bonded prosthetic graft, and covered with omentum. Direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-DHP) was intraoperatively carried out in parallel with the cardiopulmonary circuit. Intraoperative PMX-DHP dramatically reduced the level of plasma endotoxin, and ameliorated hemodynamic instability and oxygenation, resulting in smooth weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraoperative endotoxin adsorption is technically simple and easy, effective in hemodynamic stabilization, and so could be a new therapeutic option for mycotic aortic aneurysm. (Circ J 2008; 72:161 ‐ 163)

Surgical therapy for acute dissection of the ascending aorta has had a high mortality. The contributing factors have been hemorrhage from the suture lines and pulmonary dysfunction following a prolongation of extra corporeal circulation (ECC) time. A method of treatment with an intraluminal prosthesis that requires no end-to-end anastomosis has been developed. We have used this method in two patients, who had acute aortic dissections type I and high risks. The first case involved a patient of advanced age and had poor pulmonary function. The second case involved a patient with poor liver function and decreased blood platelet count. The sutureless fixations shortened ECC times which were 98 and 107 minutes in the first and second cases, respectively and reduced blood loss. There were neither hospital deaths nor early graft-related complications. Our experience with these cases suggests that grafting of the aorta is less hazardous with the sutureless than with the conventional sutured anastomosis technique in the high risk patients.

A 66-year-old male presenting with low-grade fever and general fatigue was diagnosed as having infected myxoma of the left atrium. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus mitis. He underwent urgent resection and histological examination revealed tumor cells in a mucopolysaccharide matrix and bacterial colonies along with active inflammation. Infected cardiac myxoma is extremely rare; however, it contains a potential risk of arterial embolization and so early diagnosis and urgent surgery should be considered.

Background Conventional reoperative mitral valve surgery by median sternotomy has several difficulties. We performed mitral valve replacement (MVR) under ventricular fibrillation (VF) through right mini-thoracotomy with three-dimensional videoscope for avoiding the problems. Methods Between 2006 and 2011, we performed 257 cases of MVR, in which 125 cases underwent isolated MVR. Ten cases of patients underwent reoperative MVR under VF through thoracotomy with three-dimensional videoscope (Group I), and 27 cases of patients underwent reoperative conventional MVR through median sternotomy (Group II). We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes and compared Group I with Group II. Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower (50.5 ± 19.8% vs 64.4 ± 12.0%; p = 0.046), and significantly higher Euro SCORE was found in Group I (4.8 ± 2.0 vs 3.8 ± 2.4; p = 0.037). Results Although Group I required cooling and rewarming time, average operative times was significantly shorter in Group I (262 ± 46 min vs 300 ± 57 min; p = 0.044), and cardiopulmonary bypass times and average VF times in Group I and aortic cross-clamp times in Group II were equivalent. There was no significant difference in the average of postoperative maximum creatine kinase (CK)-MB. In-hospital mortality was 0/10 (0%) and 1/27 (3.7%), and postoperative paravalvular leakage occurred in 0/10 (0%) and 1/27 (3.7%), and stroke occurred in 1/10 (10%) and 1/27 (3.7%) for Groups I and II. Two patients underwent reoperation for bleeding in Group II. Intensive care unit stay in Group I was significantly shorter than in Group II (1.8 ± 0.6 days vs 3.0 ± 1.7 days; p = 0.025). Conclusions The higher risk of preoperative background in Group I had no effect on the operation. Mitral valve surgery under VF through right mini-thoracotomy can be an alternative procedure for reoperation after conventional various cardiothoracic surgeries.