Use of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest in complex intra-cardiac repair in adults

Profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest is a well worked out technique for total repair of congenital defects in infants. Recently, it has been popularized for the repair of aneurysms of the transverse aortic arch. We have applied this technique of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest in three other adult patients in whom conventional techniques would not allow safe and adequate complete repair of acquired intra-cardiac defects. The first patient, a 76-year-old female, had a large chronic ascending aortic aneurysm involving the aortic valve, as well as the innominate and left common carotid arteries. Resuspension of the aortic valve, resection of the ascending aneurysm, and reconstruction of the ascending and transverse aorta were performed under profound circulatory arrest. In addition, multi-dose hypothermic blood K+ cardioplegia was utilized to protect the myocardium. The second patient underwent valve replacement during a period of circulatory arrest because of extensive calcification of the entire ascending aorta and transverse aortic arch. Arrest time was 56 minutes. The third patient was a 54-year-old female and had a large patent ductus arteriosus with a 3:1 left-to-right shunt as well as significant aortic and mitral valve disease. The ductus was closed through an incision in the pulmonary artery during a 13-minute period of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest. Aortic valve replacement and mitral repair were also performed at the same time, utilizing conventional techniques. All three patients recovered uneventfully with no evidence of any significant neurologic defect. Long-term follow-up has shown improvement in functional classification in all patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Composite aortic root replacement using the classic or modified Cabrol coronary artery implantation technique

BACKGROUND: We report in this study our results with composite aortic root replacement (CVR) using the classic or modified Cabrol coronary implantation technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From October 2001 to March 2005, 25 patients underwent aortic root replacement. In all cases, the indication for surgery was a degenerative aneurysm with a diameter of more than 6 cm. Seven patients had undergone a previous aortic operation on the ascending aorta. Mean age was 53+/-13 years and 22 patients were male. Mean Euroscore was 5.2+/-2.4. Aortic insufficiency was present in all patients. Two patients had Marfan syndrome. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 0%. Two patients required profound hypothermic circulatory arrest. Mean aortic cross-clamp time was 91+/-24 minutes and the mean circulatory arrest time was 24+/-15 minutes. No patients developed a pseudoaneurysm after the operation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that composite aortic root replacement with the classic or modified Cabrol technique results in a low operative mortality. However, it should be only used when a "button" technique is not feasible.     

Heart and vascular surgery interventions with hypothermic circulatory arrest in adults

In the period between 1981 and 1988, 51 patients were operated on the thoracic aorta using the hypothermic circulatory arrest technique. 31 patients had a dissection of the thoracic aorta, in 16 cases, an aneurysm was the reason for the intervention. In addition, we used the hypothermic circulatory arrest for a thrombectomy in the aortic arch and two mitral-valve replacements. The following operations were performed: 14 x composite graft, 19 x supracoronar prosthesis (6 x with aortic valve replacement, 3 x with partial replacement of aortic arch), 17 operations were performed either for aortic arch or aorta descendens replacement. In our retrospective study, 7 courses were fata (14%), 3 patients had complications with residuals. Compared with a group of 105 patients operated on the thoracic aorta in the same period without circulatory arrest, we found no difference with regard to the lethality and morbidity. We conclude that the hypothermic circulatory arrest is a safe technique for selected problems in cardiovascular surgery in adults.     

Management of the Severely Atherosclerotic Aorta During Cardiac Operations

Embolization of atheroma from the ascending aorta is a major cause of stroke following cardiac surgery. We evaluated a protocol for intraoperative detection and treatment of the severely atherosclerotic ascending aorta which Included eplaortlc ultrasonographic scanning and resection and graft replacement of the involved segment using hypothermlc Ischemic arrest. During an 81-month interval, 47 patients 50 years of age and older (mean age 71 years) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting had resection and graft replacement of the ascending aorta. This represented approximately 2% of the patients in this age group who had cardiac operations during this interval. Nineteen patients (40%) required additional procedures. The 30-day mortality rate was 4.3% (2 patients). Both patients died of myocardial failure. None of the 45 surviving patients sustained a perioperative stroke. There have been no strokes or transient Ischemic events in the follow-up period, which extends to 72 months (mean 21 months). While this technique for management of the severely atherosclerotic aorta could be considered radical, it was associated with lower mortality and stroke rates than those that were observed in patients with moderate or severe atherosclerosis In whom only minor modifications in technique were made to avoid embolization of atheroma. Resection and graft replacement during a period of hypothermic circulatory arrest is currently our preferred method of treatment for the severely atherosclerotic aorta durlng cardiac surgery. (J Card Surg 1994;9:490–494)     

Endarterectomy and graft replacement of severely calcified (porcelain) ascending aorta with coronary ostial involvement in a patient requiring aortic valve replacement.

We report a successful aortic valve replacement within an extensively calcified (porcelain) aorta, involving the left coronary artery ostium. Clamping such an aorta can result in embolization, dissection, and mural laceration. A 72-year-old female presented with a severely calcified and stenotic aortic valve with a peak pressure gradient of 101 mmHg. Computed tomography demonstrated extensive calcification of the ascending aorta. Coronary angiogram showed a 50% ostial left coronary artery stenosis. Under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, the aorta was transected at the proximal arch and distal graft anastomosis was performed. This was followed by endarterectomy of the porcelain ascending aorta and the left coronary ostium. Aortic valve replacement, proximal aortic graft anastomosis, and a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) were then performed in a sequential manner.     

Perioperative risk factors for mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to identify the perioperative risk factors for death in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AADA). METHODS: Between 1993 and 2001, 108 consecutive patients (86 men; mean age, 53 years) underwent emergent operations for AADA. All patients but 2 underwent replacement of the ascending aorta with an open distal anastomosis during a period of hypothermic circulatory arrest. In addition, 22 patients had hemiarch and 5 had total arch replacement. Aortic root was replaced in 20 and repaired with gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde glue in 39 patients; aortic valve was separately replaced in 3, resuspended in 24, and remained untouched in 22 patients. RESULTS: Overall in-hospital mortality was 25%. Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with preoperative dissection complications than in those without (21/36 [58%] vs 6/72 [8%], p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, predictors of mortality were presence of rupture, renal failure, and intestinal malperfusion, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass > or = 200 minutes, blood loss > or = 500 mL, and transfusion of blood > or = 4 units. Location of the intimal tear, extent of the replacement, type of the aortic root repair, and duration of hypothermic circulatory arrest did not emerge as predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Major determinants of surgical mortality in patients with AADA are preoperative complications. Earlier diagnosis remains essential to improve the survival rate.     

Aortic valve replacement under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) in the presence of a calcified aorta or patent grafts may preclude clamping of the ascending aorta. We employed deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in order to circumvent this problem. METHODS: Between January 1993 and December 2000, 415 patients underwent AVR in our department. Eight of these were operated using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. There were 5 males, and mean age was 72 years (range 56-81). Indications for using circulatory arrest were reoperation with patent grafts and/or severe calcification of the ascending aorta. In six patients, cardiopulmonary bypass was achieved via femoro-femoral bypass, and in two via aortic-right atrial cannulation. Retrograde cerebral perfusion was employed in five. Mean bypass time was 155 minutes (range 122-187), and mean circulatory arrest time was 38 minutes (range 31-49). RESULTS: There was no operative mortality, and no patient suffered any neurologic sequelae. Echocardiography showed all valves to be functioning well. CONCLUSIONS: AVR under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest can be accomplished with an acceptable degree of safety. It should be considered as an alternative in patients in whom aortic clamping is prohibitive, and might otherwise be considered inoperable. The ability to connect the patient to bypass and the presence of a "window" to allow aortotomy are prerequisites for employing this method.     

Composite aortic root replacement using the classic or modified Cabrol coronary artery implantation technique

Background. We report in this study our results with composite aortic root replacement (CVR) using the classic or modified Cabrol coronary implantation technique. Material and methods. From October 2001 to March 2005, 25 patients underwent aortic root replacement. In all cases, the indication for surgery was a degenerative aneurysm with a diameter of more than 6 cm. Seven patients had undergone a previous aortic operation on the ascending aorta. Mean age was 53±13 years and 22 patients were male. Mean Euroscore was 5.2±2.4. Aortic insufficiency was present in all patients. Two patients had Marfan syndrome. Results. The 30-day mortality was 0%. Two patients required profound hypothermic circulatory arrest. Mean aortic cross-clamp time was 91±24 minutes and the mean circulatory arrest time was 24±15 minutes. No patients developed a pseudoaneurysm after the operation. Conclusion. We conclude that composite aortic root replacement with the classic or modified Cabrol technique results in a low operative mortality. However, it should be only used when a “button” technique is not feasible.     

Acute type A aortic dissection, developed shortly after aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting

We experienced a case of acute type A aortic dissection shortly after a cardiac operation. A 73-year-old man underwent aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting for aortic regurgitation and angina pectoris. Aortic valve was tricuspid and the ascending aorta was mildly dilated in preoperative studies. The postoperative computed tomography (CT) revealed aortic dissection, from the ascending aorta to the arch of aorta, although the patient was asymptomatic. Reoperation for the aortic dissection was performed on the 22nd post operative day. Re-do sternotomy was safely carried out prior to heparinization. Under hypothermic circulatory arrest with femoral arterial and venous cannulations, the ascending aorta was replaced and re-implantation of the saphenous vein graft was carried out. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and he was discharged on the 17th postoperative day.     

Diagnosis and management of severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta and aortic arch during cardiac surgery: focus on aortic replacement

Objective: Severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta and arch frequently causes difficulties during heart operations, hindering surgical manoeuvres and potentially leading to systemic embolism. The aim of our study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of replacing the atherosclerotic ascending aorta in this setting. Methods: Aortic atherosclerosis was characterized by epiaortic ultrasonographic scanning in 90.1% of 1927 consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac operations, and by computed tomographic chest scanning in selected cases. Thirty-six of the 152 patients requiring major derangements from our standard practice due to aortic atherosclerosis underwent replacement of the ascending aorta and constitute the study group. Replacement of the aorta was extended to the arch in 13 cases (36.1%). It was associated with single or multiple valve surgery in 34 patients (94.4%) and with coronary revascularization in 30 (83.3%). Two patients (5.6%) underwent coronary bypass grafting without valve surgery. A cryoablation procedure was associated in three patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was employed in 34 patients (94.4%), while proximal aortic disease allowed conventional distal crossclamping in 2 cases. The risk of operative mortality was estimated by the logistic EuroSCORE both with and withholding the variable ‘surgery of the thoracic aorta’. All survivors were followed-up for 1–41 months (16 ± 12). Results: Two patients died in the hospital (5.6%) and two during follow-up, for a cumulative survival of 91.3% and 85.6% at 1 and 3 years, respectively (hospital deaths included). The hospital death rate compared favourably with the expected estimates of 25.5% (p < 0.05) and 10.3% (p = 0.67) obtained by the EuroSCORE full model and without ‘aortic surgery’, respectively. In-hospital adverse neurologic events occurred in six patients (16.7%), including stroke in one patient (2.8%) and neurocognitive disturbances in five (13.9%), although they were all transient and cleared before discharge. Excess bleeding required re-exploration in four patients (11.1%), and one more patient underwent emergency grafting for acute postoperative coronary occlusion. Ten patients (38.5%) were intubated for longer than 24 h. Conclusion: Despite significant perioperative morbidity, replacement of the severely atherosclerotic aorta is worth consideration to avert expectedly higher death and stroke rates.     

Aortic valve surgery for patients with severely calcified aorta

Severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta frequently causes difficulties during heart operations, hindering surgical maneuvers and potentially leading to systemic embolism. There have been several methods to solve these problems but the best way to treat patients requiring aortic valve replacement (AVR) has not been established yet. Surgical techniques for AVR in these patients include AVR under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with or without endarterectomy of the ascending aorta or replacement of the ascending aorta. Endovascular clamping using a balloon is another approach but requires manipulation of the heavily calcified aorta that may result in a certain risk for stroke. Another option to avoid the ascending aorta and cross-clamping is the apicoaortic conduit. Recently introduced trans-catheter AVR (TAVR), especially trans-apical AVR, has been shown to be feasible in such patients. Larger studies and longer follow-up will be required to scientifically prove the superiority of trans-apical AVR over conventional surgical strategies in patients with porcelain aorta requiring AVR.     

An alternative technique of proximal anastomosis in patients with an atherosclerotic ascending aorta

Coronary artery bypass grafting operations in patients with an atherosclerotic ascending aorta are still associated with an increased risk of cerebral embolism and mortality despite previously described techniques. Here we present an alternative technique for the construction of a proximal anastomosis avoiding aortic clamping and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.     

Extended and Total Simultaneous Aortic Replacement: Latest Technical Modifications and Improved Results With Thirty-four Patients

A bstract Aortic disease frequently requires extended and multiple resections. Occasionally, resection of the entire aorta may be indicated. At our Institution, from 1982 to 1994, 34 patients were operated upon for extended and total simultaneous aortic replacement. In seven patients, the aorta was replaced from valve to bifurcation; in 27, the aortic valve was included. Operations were performed with circulatory arrest under profound hypothermia. As the first step, the aortic valve and ascending aorta are replaced and the coronary arteries are reconnected, following which the aortic arch is reconstructed. Meanwhile, a second surgical team proceeds to open the thoracoabdominal aorta and tie up the intercostal orifices. If circulatory arrest is likely to exceed 60 minutes, the aortic graft is clamped and upper body perfusion (1000 cc/min) is begun. Finally, the thoracoabdominal aorta is fully replaced. Cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) with rewarming is resumed only after the operation has been completed. Thirty-four patients survived operation; five died within 1 month for an overall mortality of 14.7%. No mortality occurred in the most recent nine operations. No permanent spinal neurological deficits occurred. Total simultaneous aortic replacement for treatment of extended aortic disease may be reasonable using our approach.     

Acute aortic dissection after aortic valve replacement

A 53-year-old male who had been performed aortic valve replacement 15 weeks before was admitted to our hospital because of severe chest pain. Cjest computerized tomography showed dissection of aorta from ascending to descendig aorta and hemorrhage around ascending aorta. An emergency operation was performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest with a selective cerebral perfusion. An entry of dissection was found at posterior wall where was 3 cm upper from an artificial valve. Total arch replacement was successfully performed. There is a few caces of aortic dissection after aortic valve replacement, but careful peri and post operative care is necessary after aortic valve replacement.     

一期次全或全主动脉替换术的中期随访结果

目的 总结一期全主动脉替换术治疗全程主动脉瘤的中期随访结果.方法 2004年2月至2008年7月22例全程主动脉瘤的患者接受一期次全(7例)或全主动脉替换术(15例).男性17例,女性5例,年龄19～47岁.慢性A型夹层动脉瘤15例,主动脉根部瘤合并慢性B型夹层动脉瘤5例,主动脉根部瘤合并弓部和胸腹主动脉瘤1例,慢性B型合并急性A型夹层动脉瘤1例.手术均在全身麻醉深低温停循环顺行性脑灌注下进行.采用胸骨正中切口+左后外胸腹联合切口.采用分段阻断法用人工血管置换全部病变主动脉.结果 无手术死亡病例.术后早期死亡1例,死于多器官功能衰竭.术后发生脑梗死2例,二次开胸止血7例.存活21例,随访3～56个月,平均(35.0±16.9)个月,情况良好,无晚期死亡.1例David+全主动脉替换术患者术后1年因主动脉瓣反流行主动脉瓣置换术.此外无再手术病例.结论 一期次全或全主动脉替换术是治疗全程主动脉瘤的有效方法.手术结果满意,术后中期随访效果良好.     

Valve Surgery in Octogenarians with a “Porcelain” Aorta and Aortic Insufficiency

Abstract We report the technique of balloon occlusion of the ascending aorta in two patients requiring valve operations. In the first patient, it provided a rapid solution to unexpected and potentially catastrophic severe aortic insufficiency (Al) with the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient who required aortic valve replacement using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest due to a “porcelain” aorta. In the second patient, it allowed for a routine mitral valve repair to be performed by providing aortic occlusion in the setting of Al and avoiding the devastating consequences of cross‐clamping a “porcelain” aorta.     

Valve surgery in octogenarians with a "porcelain" aorta and aortic insufficiency

We report the technique of balloon occlusion of the ascending aorta in two patients requiring valve operations. In the first patient, it provided a rapid solution to unexpected and potentially catastrophic severe aortic insufficiency (AI) with the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient who required aortic valve replacement using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest due to a "porcelain" aorta. In the second patient, it allowed for a routine mitral valve repair to be performed by providing aortic occlusion in the setting of AI and avoiding the devastating consequences of cross-clamping a "porcelain" aorta.     

Hybrid antegrade repair of the arch and descending thoracic aorta with a new integrated stent-Dacron graft in acute type A aortic dissection: a look into the future with new devices

A young male patient underwent supracoronary replacement of the ascending aorta for acute type A dissection under hypothermic circulatory arrest. After discharge, he was readmitted two weeks later due to severe aortic regurgitation and acute arch redissection. Under a second period of hypothermic circulatory arrest three weeks after the initial operation, radical treatment with aortic valve replacement, replacement of the ascending aorta and arch, together with antegrade deployment of a stent-graft in the true lumen for frozen elephant-trunk technique, were successfully performed. Computed tomography at four weeks showed complete proximal repair and thrombosis of the false lumen. Transesophageal echocardiography at eight weeks confirmed repair. The patient is currently leading an active life. A hybrid approach for complex cases of acute type A dissection with arch involvement can be considered for the future.     

An evaluation of coronary artery bypass grafting without aortic cross-clamping due to severely atherosclerotic ascending aorta

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in which aortic cross-clamping is not done due to severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta. METHODS: Subjects were 51 patients undergoing CABG without aortic cross-clamping during cardiopulmonary bypass under moderately hypothermic ventricular fibrillation in the 12 years from June 1988 to October 1999 (Group N). In some cases, empty beating or moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest was used. We compared these 51 with 1104 subjects undergoing conventional CABG with aortic cross-clamping and cardioplegic cardiac arrest in the 9 years from June 1988 to December 1997 (Group A). RESULTS: In all 6 cases with neurologic deficits, moderately hypothermic circulatory arrest was used during proximal anastomosis of saphenous vein grafts. Postoperative computed tomography scan showed them to have suffered infarction due to embolization. Multivariate analysis identified proximal saphenous vein grafting under moderately hypothermic circulatory arrest as a predictor of neurologic deficit. Complete revascularization was significantly lower in Group N. Actual survival and freedom from cardiac death were significantly lower in Group N. CONCLUSION: Manipulation of the atherosclerotic ascending aorta under moderately hypothermic circulatory arrest or ventricular fibrillation generates the highest risk of perioperative neurologic deficit and should thus be avoided. In-situ arterial grafting should be conducted with utmost care.     

Replacement of the aortic root by composite-graft valve: Bentall procedure and its modifications

Replacement of the aortic root by composite-graft valve is the most frequently used procedure for surgical treatment of dilation of aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva and tubular part of ascending aorta. Crucial part of the surgical procedure is the reestablishment of the coronary flow with one of the following methods: classic, Cabrol and so-called "button" technique. We have retrospectively evaluated 116 consecutive patients with aortic root replacement by composite-graft valve in a period from January 1996 to February 2002. We have applied several techniques for the restoration of coronary flow. Thirty-five patients (30%) underwent concomitant cardiac procedure, most frequently aorto-coronary bypass, whereas 7 patients had REDO operation. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was applied in 64 patients (55%) with acute dissection of the aorta or in cases of aortic arch resection. Classic Bentall procedure was performed in 4 patients, "button" technique in 97 patients and Cabrol (Cabrol II or modified) in 15. Total in-hospital mortality was 8.6% (10 patients). Perioperative complications occurred in 32 cases (27.5%), including early re-thoracotomy for excessive bleeding in 5 patients (4.3%). With the use of modern principles of aortic surgery, complex reconstructions of aortic root by composite-graft valve can be done with relatively low morbidity and mortality.