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OBJECTIVES The mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel is central to pharmacologically induced tolerance to spinal cord injury. We hypothesized that both direct and nitric oxide-dependent indirect activation of the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel contribute to the induction of ischemic metabolic tolerance. METHODS Spinal cord injury was induced in adult male C57BL/6 mice through 7 minutes of thoracic aortic crossclamping. Pretreatment consisted of intraperitoneal injection 3 consecutive days before injury. Experimental groups were sham (no pretreatment or ischemia, n = 10), spinal cord injury control (pretreatment with normal saline, n = 27), Nicorandil 1.0 mg/kg (direct and indirect adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener, n = 20), Nicorandil 1 mg/kg + carboxy-PTIO 1 mg/kg (nitric oxide scavenger, n = 21), carboxy-PTIO (n = 12), diazoxide 5 mg/kg (selective direct adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener, n = 25), and DZ 5 mg/kg+ carboxy-PTIO 1 mg/kg, carboxy-PTIO (n = 23). Limb motor function was assessed using the Basso Mouse Score (0-9) at 12-hour intervals for 48 hours after ischemia. RESULTS Motor function was significantly preserved at all time points after ischemia in the Nicorandil pretreatment group compared with ischemic control. The addition of carboxy-PTIO partially attenuated Nicorandil's motor-preserving effect. Motor function in the Nicorandil + carboxy-PTIO group was significantly preserved compared with the spinal cord injury control group (P

There are currently no clinically utilized pharmacological agents for the induction of metabolic tolerance to spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in the setting of complex aortic intervention. Nicorandil, a nitric oxide donor and ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opener, has shown promise in neuroprotection. However, the optimized clinical application of the drug and its mechanism of neuroprotection remains unclear. We hypothesized that 3-days pretreatment would confer the most effective neuroprotection, mediated by mitochondrial KATP channel activation. Spinal cord injury was induced by 7 minutes of thoracic aortic cross-clamping in adult male C57BL/6 mice. Time course: mice received 0.1 mg/kg nicorandil for 10 min, 4 hours, and 3 consecutive days prior to ischemia compared with control. Dose challenge: mice received 3-days nicorandil pretreatment comparing 0.1 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg, and saline administration. Mitochondrial KATP channel blocker 5-hydroxy-decanoate (5HD) was co-administered to elucidate mechanism. Limb motor function was evaluated, and viable anterior horn neurons quantified. Nicorandil pretreatment at 4 hours and 3 days before ischemia demonstrated significant motor function preservation; administration 10 minutes before ischemia showed no neuroprotection. All nicorandil doses showed significant motor function preservation. Three days administration of Nicorandil 1.0 mg/kg was most potent. Neuroprotection was completely abolished by 5HD co-administration. Histological analysis showed significant neuron preservation with nicorandil pretreatment, which was attenuated by 5HD co-administration. Three days administration of Nicorandil 1.0 mg/kg showed near-total motor function preservation in a murine spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion model, mediated by the mitochondrial KATP channel.

We present the case report of a patient who developed interventricular septal hematoma as a complication during perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure. Although cardiopulmonary bypass was re-established and the hematoma was aspirated, postoperative echocardiography revealed that the hematoma reaccumulated in the interventricular septum. She suffered from low-cardiac-output syndrome for 1 week requiring a large amount of inotropic agents. Postoperative echocardiography revealed that the interventricular septal hematoma gradually disappeared. At 1 year follow-up, 99mTc-tetrofosmin myocardial single-photon emission computed tomographic revealed myocardial ischemia in the inferior and septal walls. At 4 years follow-up, her cardiac function has gradually improved. She has no symptoms of heart failure with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and beta-blocker.

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

We report about a patient with severe bicuspid aortic valve insufficiency and a single coronary artery with an intramural course. Aortic valve repair with double plication and coronary translocation was satisfactory.

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is common in patients with thoracic aortic diseases and is associated with increased long-term mortality. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are reported to increase LV afterload because of kinetic energy loss within the aneurysm sac, which may improve after surgical repair. However, LV afterload may also increase because of the stiffness of prosthetics used for aortic repair. We sought to investigate the long-term effect of surgical aortic repair with prostheses on postsurgical LV mass. We reviewed patients who underwent ascending aortic replacement with a prosthesis at our institution from January 2008 to December 2018. We calculated the LV mass index based on pre- and postoperative echocardiogram measurements. The primary outcome was the change in LV mass index 6 months after aortic repair. Patients agedlt;18 years and those who had concomitant cardiac operations, severe aortic valve disease, or who had no echocardiographic data were excluded. Of 1,008 patients who underwent ascending aortic replacement, 134 (51 with acute aortic dissections) were included. The median baseline and follow-up LV mass index were 107 (90 to 135) g/msup2/supand 101 (83 to 123) g/msup2/sup, respectively. Overall, there was a significant reduction of LV mass index over time (p = 0.03). LV mass index decreased in 77 patients (59%). Presentation due to acute aortic dissection (p = 0.03) and baseline LV mass index (plt;0.001) were significant predictors of LV mass reduction. In conclusion, LV mass index may significantly decrease over time after the aortic repair, but the course is highly variable. The largest decrease occurred in patients who presented because of aortic dissections rather than for elective repair of aneurysms.

Assembling many chemical components into a material in a controlled manner is one of the biggest challenges in chemistry. Particularly porous materials with multivariate character within their scaffolds are expected to demonstrate synergistic properties. In this study, we show a synthetic strategy to construct porous networks with multiple chemical components. By taking advantage of the hierarchical nature of a colloidal system based on metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs), we developed a two-step assembly process to form colloidal networks; assembling of MOPs with the organic linker to the formation of MOP network as a colloidal particle, followed by further connecting colloids by additional crosslinkers, leading to colloidal networks. This synthetic process allows not only for the use of different organic linkers for connecting MOPs and colloidal particles, respectively, but for assembling different colloidal particles formed by various MOPs. The proof-of-concept of this tuneable multivariate colloidal gel system offers an alternative to developing functional porous soft materials with multifunction.

A vascular ring is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly, which encircles and compresses the trachea or esophagus, or both. In this review we discuss the pathophysiology, theoretical embryopathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, and surgical treatment of the different types of vascular ring. Knowledge of the normal embryonic development of the aortic arch and related structures is important for understanding and classifying the various forms of vascular ring. The development of a vascular ring begins with the embryonic aortic arch system. The persistence, involution, or regression of the arches determines the multiple variations of vascular ring. With the development of new technologies, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) has become a good diagnostic modality for pre- and postoperative evaluation. MDCT provides an excellent image of aortic arch abnormalities and the related anatomy, as well as the tracheal pathology. For patients with symptoms, surgical division of the vascular ring usually achieves excellent outcomes with marked resolution of symptoms and a low risk of morbidity and mortality. Symptomatic vascular rings require early surgical intervention to prevent prolonged vascular compression of the airway and serious complications.

Neurological outcomes remain critical for acute aortic syndromes. This requires thoughtful planning for anesthesia induction, cannulation, preservation of brain and spinal cord perfusion through bypass and reconstruction, and adequate fluid and coagulation resuscitation through the perioperative period.

Introduction: Pharmacologic induction of metabolic tolerance to spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCI) after thoracoabdominal aortic intervention is not well established. We previously demonstrated that nicorandil pretreatment preserved motor function in a murine SCI model via direct mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel activation and nitric oxide (NO) donation. However, the independent role of NO-mediated neuroprotection has not been elucidated. Hypothesis: Nitroglycerin pretreatment will induce neuroprotection through NO-mediated KATP channel activation. Methods: SCI was induced by 7 minutes of thoracic aortic cross-clamping in adult male C57BL/6 mice. Pretreatment constituted intraperitoneal injection 3 consecutive days before injury. Experimental groups: sham (no pretreatment or ischemia, n=10), SCI control (normal saline, n=20), nitroglycerin 1 mg/kg (n=18), nitroglycerin 1 mg/kg + 5-hydroxydecanonate 5 mg/kg (5HD, mitochondrial KATP channel blocker, n=13), 5HD 5 mg/kg (n=10), nitroglycerin 1 mg/kg + carboxy-PTIO (cPTIO) 1 mg/kg (NO scavenger, n=16), and cPTIO 1 mg/kg (n=10). Limb motor function and the number of viable neurons within the anterior horn of the spinal cord were evaluated. Results: Compared to SCI control, motor function was significantly preserved in the nitroglycerin pretreatment group at every time point after ischemia. In the nitroglycerin+5HD and nitroglycerin+cPTIO groups, motor preservation was significantly attenuated compared to nitroglycerin pretreatment (p Conclusions: Nitroglycerin pretreatment significantly preserved motor function in a murine SCI model through NO-mediated KATP channel activation.

Efficient utilization of locally available feed resources is needed for further development of livestock productions in the tropics. However, an inadequate supply of nourish grass is common, and limited information exists regarding the chemical composition and digestibility of locally available feed resources in the different season. There were few reliable information concerning nutritive value of Gramineae resources in dry and rainy seasons in the Philippines. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of nine kinds of locally available Gramineae feed resources in dry and rainy seasons in the Philippines. The concentration of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and crude fiber of grass samples did not differ among species and seasons. The concentration of organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), crude ash (CA), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of grass samples differed significantly among species in both seasons except the NDF in the rainy season. However, the OM, CA, and NDF concentrations of the samples showed no differences between seasons. Imperata cylindrica showed the highest concentration of OM among the samples. Brachiaria brizantha had the lowest EE concentration among the grasses. The lowest NFE concentration was identified in Panicum maximum among the grasses. Although the digestibility of DM (DMD), OM (OMD), and NDF (NDFD) of grass samples showed significant differences among species. The DMD, OMD, and NDFD of I. cylindrica were the lowest among the samples, though Pennisetum purpureum showed the highest DMD, OMD, and NDFD among the species. Relatively high nutritive values of P. purpureum were remarkable among the samples in the present survey area.

This article summarizes the anatomically driven pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, the impact of ischemia reperfusion on the cellular level, current research in developing neuronal ischemic tolerance, and promotion of collateralization. It addresses neuroprotective strategies in modern clinical practice, current pharmacologic interventions, and continued challenges in the management of complex aortic disease. The pathophysiology of spinal cord injury includes disruption and recovery of collateral blood flow and the effects of malperfusion on the spinal cord. The optimal approach to spinal cord protection is to employ an integrated and protocolized set of strategies to simultaneously maximize spinal cord blood flow, improve ischemic tolerance, and promote collateralization. In the laboratory setting, investigation should continue to pursue a more granular understanding of ischemic injury and seek to translate protective therapies to clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the fate of the downstream aorta following open aortic repair for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection comparing total arch replacement (TAR) with the elephant trunk (ET) technique versus non-total arch replacement (non-TAR). METHODS From October 1999 to December 2016, 267 patients underwent open repair for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. A tear-oriented strategy was mainly used to determine the extent of graft replacement. Hospital mortality was 10.0% (12/120 patients) in the TAR group and 17.0% (25/147 patients) in the non-TAR group (P = 0.070). Late outcomes were compared in 230 hospital survivors (TAR: n = 108 and non-TAR: n = 122). Mean follow-up was 6.5 ± 4.6 years. The aortic diameters were measured at 4 levels, across 6 time points using computed tomography. RESULTS Freedom from additional aortic surgery for distal dilation was significantly better in the TAR group than the non-TAR group (TAR: 97.5 ± 1.8% at 5 years and non-TAR: 88.2 ± 3.4% at 5 years, P = 0.045). Freedom from a distal aortic event was also significantly better in the TAR group compared with the non-TAR group (TAR: 97.2 ± 1.6% at 5 years and non-TAR: 80.7 ± 4.2% at 5 years, P = 0.013). In the non-TAR group, the aortic arch diameter significantly increased (P

Objectives To investigate the long-term durability of aortic valves, we reviewed the outcomes of patients who underwent valve-sparing root replacement with acute Type A aortic dissection. Methods We included patients who underwent emergent aortic repair for acute Type A aortic dissection at our university hospital between 2000 and 2016. We identified patients who underwent valve-sparing root replacement from the included cohort and assessed their survival and long-term valve durability. Results We identified 24 of 328 patients who underwent valve-sparing root replacement (age: mean ± SD 49 ± 11 years; 17 men). All patients underwent reimplantation procedures and 2 had concomitant cusp repairs (central plication). Prolapsed cusps caused by detached commissures in 12 cases were noted and reattached with buttress sutures with or without glue. There was no in-hospital mortality. Median follow-up period was 84 months (range 1-202 months) and survival was 100% at 5 and 10 years. Freedom from moderate or greater aortic insufficiency was 82% ± 10% at 5 years and 65% ± 13% at 10 years. Freedom from aortic valve reoperation was 83% ± 9% at 5 years and 69% ± 12% at 10 years. Valve reoperations were indicated for endocarditis in 1 patient, perforation of the aortic cusp in 1 patient and redetachment of commissures that had been attached with gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde glue at the initial operations in 3 patients. Conclusions The durability of valve-sparing root replacement in acute aortic dissection was suboptimal. The major cause of late failure was commissure detachment after primary repair with buttress sutures and glue. Gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde glue should be avoided for commissural resuspension in patients with acute aortic dissection.

Endograft sizing for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is not consistent despite published instructions for use (IFU). We sought to identify factors associated with over/undersizing, determine sex influence on sizing, and examine sizing effects on endoleak, reintervention, and mortality by analyzing data obtained from the W.L. GoreAssociates Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT).All patients enrolled in GREAT undergoing EVAR were included for analysis. Proximal/distal aortic landing zones were compared with device implanted to assess sizing as related to IFU. χThere were 3607 EVAR subjects enrolled in GREAT as of March 2020. Of them, 1896 (53%) were within IFU for sizing, 791 (22%) were oversized, 540 (15%) were undersized, and 380 (10%) had both over- and undersized components. Factors predictive of use outside of IFU included female sex (P = .001), non-white race (P = .0003), decreased proximal neck length (P .061), or larger iliac diameters (P .0001). Women were more likely than men to have proximal neck undersizing and iliac limb oversizing, and men were more likely to have iliac limb undersizing. On multivariate analysis, undersizing of the proximal graft was associated with endoleak (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8) and aortic (HR, 60.5) and all-cause (HR, 18.0) mortality. Undersizing of iliac limbs was associated with endoleak (HR, 1.5) and device-related reintervention (HR, 1.4). Iliac limb outside IFU sizing was associated with aortic (HR, 2.6) and all-cause (HR, 1.3) mortality. Proximal and distal oversizing was not associated with adverse outcomes. Female sex was associated with mortality on univariate but not multivariate analysis.Women undergoing EVAR with GORE EXCLUDER abdominal aortic aneurysm Endoprosthesis (W.L. Gore Associates Inc, Flagstaff, Ariz) are more likely to have proximal stent-graft undersizing and iliac limb oversizing, whereas men are more likely to have undersized iliac limbs. Proximal aortic graft undersizing is associated with endoleak and all-cause/aortic mortality, whereas undersizing of iliac limbs is associated with endoleak and device-related reintervention. Oversizing was not associated with adverse outcomes.

Presenting our experience of direct perfusion of the carotid artery in patients with brain malperfusion secondary to acute aortic dissection. Among 381 patients who underwent aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection from October 1999 to August 2017, brain malperfusion was recognized in 50 patients. Nine patients had direct perfusion of the right carotid artery in patients with brain malperfusion secondary to acute aortic dissection. Age at surgery was 65.7 ± 13.5 years and three patients were male. Preoperative consciousness level was alert in one patients, drowsy in six, and coma in two. Five patients had preoperative hemiplegia. All patients showed a blood pressure difference between the upper extremities and eight patients showed more than 15% difference of rSO2. Seven patients had a temporary external active shunt from the femoral artery to the right common carotid artery preoperatively. Two patients had direct perfusion to the right common carotid artery during cardiopulmonary bypass or in the intensive care unit after surgery because of a sudden decrease of rSO2 and cessation of carotid artery flow. Antegrade cerebral perfusion was used in all patients. Total arch replacement was performed in six patients and hemiarch in three. The hospital mortality was 33% (3 patients). Causes of death were huge hemispheric brain infarction or anoxic brain damage in two patients and myocardial infarction in one. The postoperative neurological outcome was alert in four, hemiplegia in two, and coma in three, but five patients showed some improvement of neurological signs. Aggressive direct reperfusion of the carotid artery before the aortic repair may reduce neurological complications in patients with preoperative brain malperfusion secondary to acute aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify the cut-off value of sarcopenia based on the psoas muscle area index and evaluate early and late outcomes following elective total arch replacement in the elderly. METHODS Sarcopenia was assessed by the psoas muscle area index [defined as the psoas muscle area at the L3 level on computed tomography (cm 2 )/body surface area (m 2 )]. The cut-off value for sarcopenia was defined as > 2 standard deviations below the mean psoas muscle area index value obtained from 464 normal control patients. Between October 1999 and July 2015, 266 patients who were ≥ 65 years and had undergone psoas muscle area index measurement underwent elective total arch replacement. These patients were classified into the sarcopenia (Group S, n = 81) and non-sarcopenia (Group N, n = 185) groups. RESULTS The mean age was 76.2 ± 5.6 years in Group S and 75.7 ± 5.7 years in Group N ( P = 0.553). Hospital mortality was 3.7% (3/81) in Group S and 2.2% (4/185) in Group N ( P = 0.483). Mean follow-up was 48.3 ± 38.7 months. Five-year survival was significantly worse in Group S (S: 63.2 ± 6.6% vs N: 88.7 ± 2.6%, P

Despite recent advances in surgical technique and perioperative care, the surgical correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) remains a challenge. The major complication and the main cause of reoperation in TAPVC surgery are the occurrence of pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO). In the 1990s, sutureless repair was introduced as a technique to relieve PVO after TAPVC repair. Following the favorable outcomes for postoperative PVO, the indications for sutureless repair as a primary operation have been expanded to include infants who have preoperative PVO or those at risk of developing PVO after the repair of TAPVC. However, the indications of "prophylactic" primary sutureless repair still remain controversial. Recent studies have shown that normal-risk patients have excellent early and long-term outcomes and a low incidence of reoperation for postoperative PVO. Most patients who survived beyond 2 years after TAPVC surgery were in NYHA class I and offered good outcomes. Although favorable early and mid-term outcomes of primary sutureless repair are reported, the long-term outcomes of this technique are still unclear. The influence of non-contractile pericardial tissue interposed between the PV vessel wall and LA myocardium on the atrial function is also unclear in patients who undergo sutureless repair. Another disadvantage of primary sutureless repair is potential bleeding from the gap between the confluence and pericardium into the posterior mediastinum or pleural cavity. Thus, it might be best for primary sutureless repair to be indicated for high-risk infants, such as those with TAPVC associated with single-ventricular physiology, mixed-type TAPVC, or small PV confluence.

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

Spinal cord injury remains a devastating complication of thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. We previously demonstrated that pretreatment with nicorandil preserved motor function in a murine spinal cord injury model through mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel activation. We hypothesized that the neuroprotective effect of nicorandil is mediated by downstream generation of reactive oxygen species.Spinal cord injury was induced by 7 minutes of thoracic aortic cross-clamping in adult male C57BL/6 mice. Five groups were evaluated: ischemic control (n = 19); nicorandil 1.0 mg/kg (n = 17); nicorandil 1.0 mg/kg plus N acetyl L-cysteine (NAC [reactive oxygen species scavenger, n = 18)]) 150 mg/kg; NAC 150 mg/kg (n = 13); and sham (n = 10). Limb motor function and the number of viable neurons within the anterior horn of the spinal cord were evaluated.Mice in the sham group showed no functional deficits after surgery. Compared with ischemic control, motor function was significantly preserved in the nicorandil pretreatment group at every timepoint after ischemia. In the nicorandil plus NAC group, the motor-preserving effect of nicorandil was completely abolished (P.001). Viable neuron quantification showed significant neuron preservation in the nicorandil group (29.± 2.6) compared with the ischemic control group (18.5 ± 2.1, P = .024) and nicorandil plus NAC group (14 ± 8.3, P = .001); no significant difference was observed between the ischemic control group and nicorandil plus NAC group (P = 0.768).Reactive oxygen species generation plays a key role in the nicorandil-induced metabolic tolerance to spinal cord injury. Manipulation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels may lead to improvement in preventing spinal cord injury after thoracoabdominal aortic interventions.

A 65 year-old man was diagnosed with congestive heart failure secondary to severe mitral regurgitation resulting from a parachute-like asymmetrical mitral valve. We performed mitral annuloplasty and triangular resection of the thick tissue. The postoperative course was uneventful with no recurrence of mitral regurgitation.

Objective Stroke remains a potentially devastating complication of aortic arch intervention. The value of neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring (NIOM) in the early identification of stroke is unclear. We evaluated the utility of NIOM for early stroke detection in aortic arch surgery. Methods Across 8 years at our institution, 365 patients underwent aortic arch surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest, and 224 cases utilized NIOM. One patient was excluded for intraoperative death. In the remaining cohort, we reviewed the incidence, timing, and location of strokes, and the incidence and nature of NIOM alerts. Results Hemiarch was performed in 154 patients and total arch replacement in 69 patients. Stroke occurred in 6.3% of all cases (14 out of 223), 15.9% of total arches (11 out of 69), and 2.0% of hemiarches (3 out of 154). There were 33 NIOM alerts (14.8%), and 9 patients had both alerts and stroke. Of these, NIOM deficits plausibly correlated with imaging findings in 7 cases (78%). Of the 5 stroke patients without NIOM alerts, 2 developed neurologic symptoms 3 days or more postoperatively, and infarcts in 3 patients did not result in sensory or motor deficits. Excluding 2 patients with late stroke, the sensitivity of NIOM for stroke detection was 75%, specificity was 88.5%, positive predictive value was 27.3%, and negative predictive value was 97.4%. Conclusions Despite a low positive predictive value requiring a high level of discrimination when interpreting abnormal findings, NIOM has high sensitivity and specificity for the early stroke detection. Furthermore, its high negative predictive valve is reassuring for low risk of stroke in the absence of alerts.

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

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the fate of the preserved aortic root after supracoronary aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection. Methods Between October 1999 and March 2018, 339 patients underwent supracoronary aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection at our institution. Late outcomes were evaluated, including overall survival, aortic-related death, and aortic root–related reoperation. The median follow-up was 3.7 years (1.4-8.4 years). Results Operative mortality was 46 patients (13.6%). The cumulative incidences at 5 years for aortic root–related reoperation, aortic-related death, and non–aortic related death were 2.5%, 14.5% and 12.4%, respectively. Multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis demonstrated greater sinus of Valsalva diameter and number of commissural detachments to be significant risk factors for a composite outcome consisting of aortic-related death or aortic root–related reoperation. Mixed-effects regression demonstrated that sinus of Valsalva diameter significantly increased with time (P Conclusions Sinus of Valsalva diameter and commissural detachment were independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes after supracoronary aortic replacement. Close follow-up is particularly necessary for these patients, and aortic root replacement at the time of initial operation may lead to more favorable late outcomes.

OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to analyse the early patency rate and long-term outcomes of reattached segmental intercostal arteries using graft interposition, single-cuff anastomosis or island reconstruction.METHODSWe selected 172 consecutive patients who underwent open surgery for the thoracoabdominal aorta with reattachment of segmental arteries between October 1999 and March 2018. The early patency of segmental arteries was analysed using enhanced computed tomography. Segmental arteries were reconstructed using graft interposition (n = 111), single-cuff anastomosis (n = 38) or island reconstruction (n = 23).RESULTSThe hospital mortality was 6.4%. Twenty patients developed spinal cord ischaemic injury (permanent, n = 12 or transient, n = 8). Spinal cord injury was found in 16, 3 and 1 patients in the graft interposition, single-cuff anastomosis and island reconstruction groups, respectively. Overall, 475 segmental arteries were reattached (mean number per patient 2.8 ± 1.3). The overall early patency rate was 63.4%. The patency rates in island reconstruction (91.2%) and single-cuff anastomosis (77.1%) were significantly better than that in graft interposition (54.0%; P CONCLUSIONSIsland reconstruction and single-cuff anastomosis might offer better patency rates and prevent spinal cord ischaemic injury than graft interposition. Because some patients with island reconstruction required reoperation for patch aneurysms in segmental arteries, single-cuff anastomosis is preferable in terms of early- and long-term outcomes.

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

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of heart valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis (MP) versus bioprosthesis (BP) in patients on dialysis.A retrospective review was performed at 7 hospitals. Patients on dialysis who underwent valve replacement were included. Survival, reoperation, bleeding, and embolic events were compared across the MP and BP groups.Between April 2000 and April 2016, 312 patients on dialysis were enrolled in our study (MP: 94 patients [30.1%], BP: 218 patients [69.9%]). Mean follow-up was 3.4 ± 3.6 years. Five-year and 10-year survival rates were similar in both groups (MP: 57.4 ± 5.5% at 5 years and 46.3 ± 6.4% at 10 years, BP: 50.2 ± 4.1% at 5 years and 38.8 ± 4.5% at 10 years, P = .305). Multivariate Cox hazard analysis demonstrated that diabetic nephropathy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-2.73, P .001), New York Heart Association functional classification ≥III (HR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.37-3.35, P = .001), and mitral valve replacement (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.58-3.49, P .001) were significant risk factors for late death. Valve selection was not a significant risk factor. Freedom from valve-related embolic event at 5 years was significantly lower in the MP group (MP: 88.3 ± 4.3% at 5 years, BP: 97.2 ± 1.6% at 5 years, P = .007). Freedom from valve-related reoperation or hemorrhagic events was similar across both groups.Valve selection was not associated with late survival outcomes in patients on dialysis. However, BP may have an advantage in preventing embolic events without increasing the incidence of valve-related reoperation when compared with MP.

The present study analyzed the prevalence of variations of the aortic arch branching in Japanese population, comparing patients with aortic arch disease with healthy controls. Between from October 1999 and December 2015, 815 Japanese patients with aortic arch disease defined as aortic arch aneurysm (diameter ≥ 45 mm) and aortic dissection (group A) underwent aortic arch surgery in our institution. As a control group, 1506 traumatic screened patients were enrolled (group C). Aortic arch anomaly was diagnosed in 140 patients (17.2%) in the group A and in 222 patients (14.7%) in the group C (p = 0.125). Significant differences were found in the incidence of aberrant subclavian artery (A: 14 patients, 1.7%, vs. C: 8 patients, 0.5%, p = 0.006). Significantly more patients with aortic arch aneurysm in the group A had anomalies of the aortic arch compared with the group C (p = 0.009), including bovine aortic arch (p = 0.049) and aberrant subclavian artery (p

Objective Our study evaluated the long-term outcomes of total arch replacement using a 4-branched graft. Methods From October 1999 to December 2016, 655 patients underwent total arch replacement using a 4-branched graft (pathology in the 655 patients was distributed as 399 no dissection, 149 acute dissection, and 107 chronic dissection). Two hundred nine patients (31.9%) underwent nonelective surgery. Mean follow-up term was 5.0 ± 4.1 years and follow-up rate was 97.1%. Results Of 655 patients who underwent total arch replacement using a 4-branched graft, operative mortality occurred in 34 patients (5.2%) and permanent neurologic deficit occurred in 24 patients (3.7%). One hundred ninety late deaths occurred, with 20 aortic event-related deaths. Overall survival was 73.1% ± 1.9% at 5 years and 54.8% ± 2.7% at 10 years. Multivariate Cox-hazard regression analysis demonstrated that older age, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, concurrent procedures, permanent neurologic deficit, tracheostomy, and renal failure were significant risk factors for late death. Freedom from repeat operation on the aorta was 98.0% ± 0.7% at 5 years and 93.9% ± 1.8% at 10 years and freedom from additional aortic operation was 87.2% ± 1.5% at 5 years and 77.3% ± 2.7% at 10 years. The incidence of pseudoaneursym was 2.2%. Conclusions The long-term outcomes for patients undergoing total arch replacement using 4-branched graft are favorable. However, even in the late phase, periodic follow-up is necessary to address subsequent aorta-related events.

We report early and midterm outcomes of elderly patients who underwent valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) compared with younger patients and those with Bentall procedure.From October 1999 to October 2017, 73 patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age who underwent VSRR procedure were assigned as group S. Two hundred thirty-two VSRR patients who were between 15 and 64 years of age were assigned as group Y. Forty-five patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age who underwent Bentall procedure were assigned as group R. Preoperative grades of aortic regurgitation were 3.4 of 4 in group S, 3.1 of 4 in group Y, and 3.3 of 4 in group R (p = 0.07).Hospital mortality was found in 1 (1.4%) patient in group S, 3 (6.7%) in group R, and 2 (0.9%) in group Y. Postoperative survival at 5 years was 88.5% in group S, 98.7% in group Y, and 82.4% in group R (p0.01). Freedom from more than mild aortic regurgitation at 5 years was 81.0% in group S and 85.4% in group Y. Follow-up echocardiography disclosed an effective aortic valve orifice area of 1.76 cmSimilar early and late outcomes were achieved in elder VSRR patients compared with younger patients. A better postoperative valve performance was demonstrated in VSRR patients than patients undergoing valve-replacement.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the early and long-term outcomes of graft replacement of Kommerell diverticulum and in situ reconstruction of aberrant subclavian arteries in adults. Methods Seventeen patients, 6 symptomatic and 11 with right aortic arch, underwent open repair of Kommerell diverticulum from October 1999 to September 2017. Two of these patients underwent open surgical treatment of a ruptured aneurysm. Surgical indications were dilatation of Kommerell aneurysm (n = 9), the presence of a nondissecting aneurysm with Kommerell diverticulum (n = 6), acute type A aortic dissection (n = 1), and complicated acute type B aortic dissection (n = 1). Ten patients underwent total arch replacement and descending aorta replacement through a thoracotomy. Five patients underwent arch replacement and in situ reconstruction through a median sternotomy. All patients except 1 also underwent in situ reconstruction of their aberrant subclavian artery. Results In-hospital death occurred in 1 patient (5.9%), who underwent total arch replacement for a ruptured aneurysm. Permanent neurologic deficit did not occur in any patient, whereas transient neurologic deficit occurred in 2 patients (11.8%). Five- and 10-year survival rates were 85.2 ± 9.8% and 75.8 ± 12.5%, respectively. There was no symptom recurrence or stenosis of the reconstructed subclavian arteries. Conclusions Early outcomes of graft replacement of Kommerell diverticulum and in situ aberrant subclavian artery reconstruction were acceptable. As for long-term outcomes, symptomatic improvement and an excellent patency rate among reconstructed aberrant subclavian arteries suggest that in situ surgical repair is an effective treatment option.

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

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