Type A acute aortic dissection: immediate and mid-term results of emergency aortic replacement with the aid of gelatin resorcin formalin glue

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term results of operation for type A acute aortic dissection with the aid of gelatin resorcin formalin glue.

Methods

Emergency operation was carried out in 84 patients during the last 8 years. Fifty-five patients (65.5%) had mild-to-moderate aortic regurgitation. Gelatin resorcin formalin glue was applied to both the proximal and distal aortic stumps. We evaluated the presence of aortic regurgitation and the patency of the distal false lumen at the time of this study. The survival and reoperation-free rates were also assessed. In case of late reoperation, aortic wall samples of the glued area were examined histologically.

Results

Ascending to hemiarch replacement were performed in 71 patients (84.5%). Total aortic arch and root replacement were required in 13 and 7 patients, respectively. Overall hospital mortality was 6.0% (5 patients). Late death was observed in 12 patients (14%). Reoperation for redissection in the aortic root, development of aortic regurgitation, and enlargement of the distal false lumen occurred in 1, 3, and 1 patient, respectively. Histologic examination showed no evidence of infiltration of inflammatory cells in the glued area. Computed tomography scan revealed a patent distal false lumen in 8 (14%) of 58 patients. Echocardiography detected moderate aortic regurgitation in 2 patients. The actuarial survival rate at 1, 5, and 8 years was 85.5%, 80%, and 60.0%, respectively. The reoperation-free rate at 8 years was 89%.

Conclusions

The results of emergency aortic replacement with gelatin resorcin formalin glue have shown reasonable early and late mortality and reoperation rates. There was no histologic evidence of adverse tissue reactivity by gelatin resorcin formalin glue.     

Bronchial stump reinforcement in right pneumonectomy with fascia lata and gelatin resorcin formalin (GRF) glue: case report.

We reinforced the bronchial stump with fascia lata and Gelatin Resorcin Formalin (GRF) glue in a right pneumonectomy. This method was found to be simple and useful. We describe our case and the method herein. A 62-year-old woman had a malignant polypoid lesion which completely occluded the introitus of the right main bronchus and deviated to the introitus of the left main bronchus. Right pneumonectomy was done but materials (pleura, pericardium, intercostal muscle, etc.) obtained from the thoracic cavity were insufficient for bronchial stump reinforcement due to severe adhesion caused by prior tuberculosis. Therefore, we reinforced the bronchial stump using the fascia lata and GRF glue. Fascia lata is a superior material for reinforcement in terms of strength and ease of molding, as well as harvesting. GRF glue is a superior adhesive with rapid and strong fixation. We consider this method of reinforcing the bronchial stump with fascia lata and GRF glue to be feasible, in particular, for pneumonectomy or lobectomy without adequate material in the thoracic cavity because of severe adhesion or lesions.     

Recommendation for appropriate use of GRF glue in the operation for acute aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Because an excessive use of activator (formaldehyde + glutaraldehyde) is supposed to be responsible for later adverse events after the use of gelatin resorcin formalin (GRF) glue in surgery for acute aortic dissection, we have tried to use a minimum dose of activator when the GRF glue was applied. We compare our midterm surgical results for acute aortic dissection with and without the use of GRF glue. METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive operated cases with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection within 48 h from onset from 1992 to 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. GRF glue was used in 21 cases (18 proximal and 14 distal anastomosis sites) since 1995 with outer felt reinforcement (GRF group). RESULTS: There was no operative deaths. In-hospital mortality was 4.8% in the GRF group and 7.1% in the control group (P = 0.7308). Intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were similar between groups. The patency of the distal false lumen after the operation (57% vs. 55%, P = 0.8855), the 3-year survival estimate (82% +/- 10% vs. 92% +/- 6%, P = 0.4219), and the 3-year actuarial freedom from a reoperation of 92 anastomoses (97% +/- 3% vs. 100%, P = 0.4986) were similar between the GRF group and the control group, respectively. A multivariate Cox's proportional hazard model identified no significant predictor for midterm death or reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of GRF glue for type A acute aortic dissection seems as clinically safe as other options with regard to midterm death or reoperation when applied appropriately with felt reinforcement.     

Pathological findings of tissue reactivity of gelatin resorcin formalin glue: an autopsy case report of the repair of ventricular septal perforation.

A seventy-three-year-old man was treated for ventricular septal perforation with Gelatin Resorcin Formalin (GRF) glue. The patient died of multiple organ failure 36 days after the surgery. In autopsy, macroscopically, the inferior wall was reconstructed successfully by the GRF glue. Furthermore, microscopic study revealed the excellent growth of collagen and elastic fiber where the GRF was glued. No infiltration of inflammatory cells was evident. There have been no reports that the safety and efficacy of GRF glue was pathologically proven in an autopsy case.     

Re-dissection of aortic root without gelatin-resorcin-formalin (GRF) glue effect one year after aortic repair

A 58-year-old man, who had undergone emergency graft replacement of ascending and total aortic arch using gelatin-resorcin-formalin (GRF) glue 1 year before, complained of progressive shortness of breath. Ultrasound cardiography revealed severe aortic regurgitation and dissecting aneurysm of aortic root. He underwent composite graft replacement with the aid of the right axillary artery perfusion and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The redissected brownish intima was identified in the area of noncoronary cusp. There was no special finding in the subsequent histopathological examination. The use of GRF glue for reconstructing the dissected aortic root is associated with a certain amount of risk of aortic wall redissection. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure proper use of GRF glue.     

The reinforcement of tracheoplasty with a self-fascia lata andGelatin-Resorcin-Formal (GRF) glue

We examined the efficacy of protecting the suture line in tracheoplasty by using a self-fascia lata and Gelatin-Resorcin-Formal (GRF) glue. Fifteen dogs underwent a resection of four rings of the trachea and reconstruction, and we then observed them for one month; group A (n=5) without reinforcement, group B (n=5) with a self-fascia-lata spread with GRF glue, and group C (n=5) with only a self-fascia-lata. In the reinforced dogs (group B, three cases, and group C, five cases), in which the continuity of the suture line had been conserved, eight cases were resistant to pressures of from 240 mmHg to 300 mmHg, and two cases (both in group B) which had a partial discontinuity of the suture line were resistant to the same pressure of 160 mmHg. But in the five dogs without reinforcement (group A), four died from infection due to leakage of the trachea within 2 weeks; only one that had a continuity of the suture line survived and was resistant to pressure of 300 mmHg. These results show that a reinforcement of tracheoplasty using a self-fascia lata and GRF glue is useful for preventing air leakage from the suture line.     

Clinical experience of gelatin-resorcin-formal (GRF) glue for acute empyema with bronchopleural fistula

Gelatin-resorcin-formal (GRF) glue is a new biological adhesive agent with the advantage of sealing efficacy. We report a successful closure of bronchopleural fistula using this agent. A 77-year-old man underwent cavernostomy for lung aspergillosis. After surgery, he developed methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-empyema with bronchopleural fistula. Thoracoplasty and muscular plombage were performed for filling up the cavity and closure of bronchial fistula. But the fistula relapsed 3 days after surgery. GRF glue was injected into the residual cavity, then air-leakage was completely disappeared with tight adhesion of cavity wall. We consider this agent is useful material for the closure of bronchopleural fistula.     

Aortic root necrosis after surgical treatment using gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde (GRF) glue in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Although gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde (GRF) glue is used for surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissections, late complications possibly ascribed to toxic effects of GRF glue have been reported. We analyzed the benefits and risks of using GRF glue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and August 2003, 269 consecutive patients underwent emergency operations for acute type A aortic dissection. GRF glue was not used in 47 patients (non-GRF group) who were operated on until May 1995 and was used in the 222 (GRF group) who underwent operation subsequently. RESULTS: The rate of in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the non-GRF group (31.9%) than in the GRF group (12.6%) (p<0.0001). In the GRF group, false aneurysms were found in 31 patients (31/194 survivors, 16.0%) 1-65 (mean, 30+/-18) months after initial operation. Reoperation was done in 24 of these patients. At reoperation, the site to which GRF glue was applied had degenerated, and the anastomosis between the aortic root and prosthesis had opened widely, creating a false aneurysm and resulting in aortic regurgitation with prolapse of the coronary cusps. The mortality rate of reoperation was 4.2% (1/24). CONCLUSION: The use of GRF glue improved the short-term outcome of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection, but was associated with a high incidence of false aneurysms forming at the site of proximal anastomosis, where GRF glue had been applied. Patients in whom GRF glue has been used should be carefully followed up after surgery.     

Endovascular treatment of penetrating aortic ulcers: mid-term results.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate mid-term results of endovascular treatment of penetrating aortic ulcers. METHODS: Between February 2000 and November 2006, 18 consecutive patients underwent endovascular treatment of the descending thoracic aorta (N=16) and abdominal infrarenal aorta (N=2) for penetrating aortic ulcer, in a single University Hospital. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Mean follow-up was 41 months (range 4 to 77 months). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. No perioperative deaths occurred. No conversion to open repair or secondary procedures were required. Two patients died in the follow-up period for reasons not related to penetrating aortic ulcers. One type II endoleak was observed. It was still present, unchanged, twelve months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of penetrating aortic ulcers of the descending thoracic and infrarenal aorta were safe and effective in the mid-term in this small series of patients.     

Early and mid-term results of isolated aortic valve neocuspidization in patients with aortic stenosis

Objectives

This study aimed to elucidate the surgical outcome of aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

From December 2010 to June 2017, we performed AVNeo for aortic valve pathologies in 144 patients. Of them, we evaluated 57 patients with AS who underwent AVNeo. Their mean age was 77.5?±?8.8 years. Fifty-five patients had AS from degenerative changes, 1 from pericardium endocarditis, and 1 from prosthetic valve endocarditis. Forty patients had a tricuspid aortic valve, 1 had a unicuspid valve, 14 had a bicuspid valve, 1 had a quadricuspid valve, and 1 had postoperative aortic valve replacement (AVR). Preoperative echocardiography revealed an average peak pressure gradient of 89?±?32.9 mmHg and a mean pressure gradient of 52?±?18.8 mmHg. The surgical procedure complies with the 3 cuspid suturing to the aortic annulus with the glutaraldehyde-treated pericardium.

Results

There were no conversions to AVR. There were 2 noncardiac-related deaths owing to liver failure and sepsis. Postoperative echocardiography showed an average peak pressure gradient of 22?±?10.7 mmHg 1 week after the procedure and 19.2?±?9.7 mmHg 20 months after the procedure. Two patients underwent reoperation owing to infective endocarditis and recurrent aortic regurgitation. The mean follow-up period was 30.4?±?20.8 months. The freedom from reoperation rates was 98.1 and 95.3% at 12 and 81 months of follow-up, respectively.

Conclusions

AVNeo is suitable for patients with AS considering its early and mid-term outcomes. Verification of long-term outcomes and reliability is necessary.

     

Predictors of early and mid-term results in contemporary aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical risk factors and assess the impact of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) scores on outcomes after contemporary aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 209 consecutive patients with AS (mean 69 ± 9 years) who underwent AVR. The outcomes measured included operative mortality, postoperative complications, postoperative prolonged length of stay (PLOS), discharge to nonhome location, and mid‐term mortality. Results: Operative mortality was 3.8%, and five‐year survival was 88.6 ± 2.8%. Multivariable analysis revealed preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) class as a significant predictor of both operative mortality (p = 0.03; odds ratio [OR]: 8.5) and mid‐term mortality (p = 0.02; OR: 10.5). NYHA class also emerged as an independent predictor for postoperative complications (p = 0.002; OR: 5.8) and PLOS (p = 0.01; OR: 2.5). Other preoperative independent predictors included dialysis for PLOS (p = 0.04; OR: 2.9), age (p = 0.03; OR: 1.1), and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF; p = 0.03; OR: 0.9) for nonhome discharge, and EF for mid‐term mortality (p = 0.01; OR: 0.9). The mean STS‐PROM (predicted risk of mortality) was 4.6% ± 6.1%, and thus, the observed‐to‐expected (O/E) ratio of operative mortality in our series was 0.82. Conclusions: Advanced NYHA class, older age, dialysis, and lower EF are significant independent preoperative risk factors for early and mid‐term results of AVR for AS. Consideration of these predictors should be used to identify high‐risk patients requiring AVR for AS.     

The mid-term results of ventricular containment (ACORN WRAP) for end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The acorn cardiac support device (ACSD) is a device designed to treat heart failure by containing the heart to prevent further dilation. Six patients with symptomatic heart failure due to ischemic cardiomyopathy were treated surgically with ACSD. All patients simultaneously underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Ventricular reconstruction was also performed in 5 of the 6 patients. We followed up the patients for 12 months postoperatively, monitoring the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), mitral regurgitation, and NYHA classification. Both the LVEDD and LVESD were significantly improved one month postoperatively (from 63.2 to 50.6 mm, p=0.004, and from 51.6 to 39.5 mm, p=0.025, respectively). These dimensions did not change significantly over the next 11 months. NYHA functional class improved significantly from a mean of 3 to 1.4 at 12 months (p=0.012). Mitral regurgitation improved from a mean of 2.7 preoperatively to 1.4 at 12 months and the average LVEF also improved from 27% preoperatively to 35.9% at 12 months after surgery. However these latter two results were not statistically significant. There were no late deaths and no readmissions for heart failure. Repeat coronary angiography at 6 months revealed patent grafts in all patients. The mid-term results of ACSD for patients with symptomatic heart failure suggest that ventricular containment may be useful for preventing further cardiac dilation in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Randomized, long-term studies are needed to assess the efficacy and possible role of ASCD in the future management of heart failure.     

Effective use of fibrin glue for acute aortic dissection

The use of gelatin-resorcine-formalin (GRF) glue for reconstruction of the vascular wall in the context of acute aortic dissection has become more common. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that use of the GRF glue results in higher rates of postoperative redissection. We describe an alternative method of reinforcing the dissected aorta with fibrin glue that may avoid this complication. A fabric sheet is presoaked in fibrinogen solution and then placed within the false lumen. Thrombin solution is then applied to the fabric sheet. That results in obliteration of the false lumen and effective reinforcement of the dissected wall.     

The use of fibrin glue in abdominal surgery

The data on use of fibrin glue (FG) in 215 patients operated on the abdominal organs, employing laser surgical techniques, are presented. In 132 patients, the complicated forms of gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, in 25--gastric cancer, in 24--colonic tumors, in 26--injuries to the liver were revealed. Considerable reduction in incidence of early postoperative complications as compared with that in patients operated on with the use of conventional techniques was noted.     

Early and mid-term results of endovascular stent grafting for aortic aneurysms]

Early and mid-term clinical results of 28 cases of endovascular stent grafting for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms and 11 cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms are reported. Early clinical results: Among 28 patients (7 true thoracic aortic aneurysms, 3 pseudothoracic aortic aneurysms and 8 acute, 4 subacute, and 6 chronic aortic dissections), two patients (7.1%) with ruptured acute aortic dissection or ruptured infected pseudoaneurysm died in the perioperative period. Two of the remaining 26 patients experienced minor complications. Aneurysmal sacs or false lumens at the descending thoracic aorta were completely thrombosed in the 26 patients. One patient (9.1%) with a ruptured abdominal aneurysm died, and one of the remaining 10 patients had renal and peripheral emboli and peripheral vascular trauma. Inadvertent covering of the renal arteries occurred in another patient. Unless one patient had persistent endoleak, aneurysmal sacs in the 10 surviving patients were thrombosed. Mid-term clinical results: One aortic dissection at a different section of the descending aorta occurred 6 months after stent grafting for aortic dissection, and one patient died of pneumonia 3 months after stent grafting for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. CT scanning 6 months after stent grafting revealed a decrease in maximal aneurysmal size in 3 of 9 patients with true or pseudothoracic aneurysms and in 2 of 5 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Five of 9 patients with stent grafting for acute or subacute dissection showed elimination of the false lumen in the descending thoracic aorta in a CT scan 6 months after grafting. One patient with a true thoracic aneurysm and one patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm showed an increase in aneurysmal size in a CT scan 2 years and one year after treatment, respectively.     

Proximal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm due to gelatin-resorcin-formalin (GRF) glue after replacement of ascending aorta for acute aortic dissection; report of a case

A 78-year-old man had previously undergone replacement of ascending aorta using gelatin-resorcin-formalin (GRF) glue for acute aortic dissection. Five years later, a follow-up computed tomography (CT) showed an aortic root pseudoaneurysm. Ultrasound cardiography revealed moderate aortic regurgitation and pseudoaneurysm of aortic root. Aortic root replacement was planned based on a clinical diagnosis of an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root. The patient was discharged without complication 26 days after surgery. In the histopathological examination, the necrotic change of smooth muscle cells in the aortic media was revealed. Previous reports suggests that the use of GRF glue for reconstructing the dissected aorta results in higher rates of postoperative redissection or pseudoaneurysm. Therefore, careful postoperative follow-up is necessary in such cases and further improvements in the quality of glue or alternative methods will be necessary to prevent problems in the first place.