Redo operations for recurrent aneurysmal disease of the ascending aorta and transverse aortic arch

Sixty-seven operations were performed in 59 patients for aneurysmal disease occurring after previous operations involving the ascending aorta and transverse aortic arch. The initial aortic pathological condition included the following: fusiform aneurysm due to medial degenerative disease in 34 patients, 12 of whom had Marfan's syndrome; aortic dissection in a previously undilated aorta in 23; and aneurysm persisting or occurring after brachiocephalic bypass in 2. One of the latter had an aneurysm because of aortitis. Various operations initially performed did not completely treat the disease, and certain complications occurred spontaneously, including infection and dissection. The residual pathological condition led to the development of aortic insufficiency, aortic dissection, coronary artery insufficiency, and progressive aneurysmal dilatation. These complications were treated by composite valve graft replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta or the transverse aortic arch or both, simple aortic valve replacement, graft replacement of the ascending aorta or arch or both, and suture of false aneurysm with viable tissue wrap. Twenty patients (34%) had an aneurysm of the distal aorta. The entire aorta was replaced in 3, thoracoabdominal segments in 9, and the abdominal aorta in 1. Of the 59 patients, 49 (83%) were early survivors and 40 (68%) were alive on January 1, 1985. Principles of therapy that may have prevented the complications leading to reoperation include aneurysm replacement at the time of aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass; total replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve in patients with Marfan's syndrome; the same procedure or aortic valve replacement and separate graft replacement in patients with non-Marfan's medial degenerative disease; ascending aortic replacement in all patients with dissection combined with valve resuspension, aortic valve replacement, or composite valve graft depending on the involvement of the aortic sinuses and the presence of aortic insufficiency.     

Thoracic aortic aneurysm associated with congenital bicuspid aortic valve.

Congenital bicuspid aortic valve is a relatively rare malformation. It is reported that the presence of this anomaly predisposes the patient to development of true aortic aneurysms or dissecting aortic aneurysms. Between 1981 and August 1997, 25 patients with an aneurysm of the thoracic aorta associated with congenital bicuspid aortic valve underwent surgical treatment at the authors' institution. There were 20 males and five females. The age of the patients ranged from 27 to 74 years (mean 53 years). There were 18 patients with true ascending aortic aneurysms (of which 10 presented with annulo-aortic ectasia) and seven with dissecting aortic aneurysms (four with DeBakey type I dissection, two with type II and one with type IIIb). These 25 patients constituted 2.6% (25/973) of all cases of surgical operations for aneurysms in the thoracic aorta. Aortic valve dysfunction was noted in 20 patients. The authors performed a valved conduit operation in nine patients, aortic valve replacement and wrapping of the ascending aorta in six, graft replacement of the ascending aorta in five, graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic arch in four, and graft replacement of the descending aorta in one. No hospital deaths occurred in the authors' patients. Pathological examination of surgical specimens of the aortic wall showed cystic medial necrosis in 11 patients and mucoid degeneration in nine. In patients with congenital bicuspid aortic valve, attention should be paid to aneurysmal dilatation and aortic dissection as complications in addition to valve dysfunction.     

Surgery for aortic dissection associated with congenital bicuspid aortic valve

Congenital bicuspid aortic valve is a relatively rare malformation. It is reported that the presence of this anomaly predisposes the patient to the development of dissecting aortic aneurysms. Between 1981 and October 1997, 7 patients with aortic dissection associated with congenital bicuspid aortic valve underwent surgical treatment at our institution. The patients consisted of six males and one female. The age of the patients ranged from 54 to 74 years (mean 61 years). The classification of dissecting aortic aneurysms was DeBakey type I dissection in 4 patients, type II dissection in 2 patients and type IIIb dissection in 1 patient. These 7 patients constituted 2.0% (7/356) of all cases of surgical operation for dissecting thoracic aneurysm. Aortic valve dysfunction was noted in 5 patients, 4 of whom had previously undergone aortic valve replacement. We performed graft replacement of the ascending aorta in 4 patients, graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic arch in 2 patients, and graft replacement of the descending aorta in 1 patient. There were no hospital deaths in any of the 7 patients. Pathological examination of surgical specimens of the aortic wall showed cystic medial necrosis in 2 patients and mucoid degeneration in 4 patients. In addition to complication by valve dysfunction, patients with congenital bicuspid aortic valve are at risk for the development of aortic dissection.     

Aortic valve-sparing operations in patients with aneurysms of the aortic root or ascending aorta

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve-sparing operations are an alternative to aortic root replacement in patients with aortic root aneurysms, or aortic valve replacement and supracoronary replacement of the ascending aorta in patients with ascending aorta aneurysms and dilated sinotubular junctions with consequent aortic insufficiency. METHODS: From 1988 to 2001, 230 patients underwent aortic valve-sparing operations for aortic root aneurysms (151 patients) or ascending aortic aneurysms with aortic insufficiency (79 patients). Two types of aortic valve-sparing operations were performed in patients with aortic root aneurysms: reimplantation of the aortic valve and remodeling of the aortic root. Mean follow-up was 3.8 +/- 2.8 years. RESULTS: Patients with aortic root aneurysms were younger, had less severe aortic insufficiency, less extensive vascular disease, and better left ventricular function than patients with ascending aorta aneurysms. The 8-year survival was 83% +/- 5% for the first group and 36% +/- 14% for the second. The freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 8 years was 99% +/- 1% for the first group and 97% +/- 2% for the second. In patients who had aortic root aneurysms, 3 developed severe aortic insufficiency (AI), and 15 developed moderate AI, for an 8-year freedom from significant AI of 67% +/- 7%. But freedom from AI was 90% +/- 3% after the technique of reimplantation, and 55% +/- 6% after the technique of remodeling (p = 0.02). In patients with ascending aortic aneurysms, the freedom from AI greater than 2+ at 8 years was 67% +/- 11%. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term results of aortic valve sparing for aortic root aneurysms are excellent, and reimplantation of the aortic valve may provide a more stable repair of the aortic valve than remodeling of the aortic root.     

Aortic root replacement after operation for the ascending aorta and/or aortic valve

We reviewed ten cases who underwent aortic root replacement after operation for the ascending aorta and/or aortic valve. As initial operation, aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed in five patients, replacement of the ascending aorta in two, original Bentall operation in two, and entry closure and suspension of the aortic valve in one. At reoperation, three patients were diagnosed as aneurysm of the ascending aorta, two were annulo-aortic ectasia, and one was acute aortic dissection, chronic dissecting aneusym, pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta, prosthetic valve endocarditis, and massive aortic regurgitation. Aortic root replacement was performed using mechanical valved composite graft in all cases. One patient who underwent repeat aortic root replacement for prosthetic valve endocarditis was died of septemia and ventricular fibrillation. Five patients had nine complications (two low output syndrome, respiratory failure and cerebral infarction, one gastrointestinal bleeding, septemia and ventricular fibrillation). In conclusion, aortic root replacement after operation for the ascending aorta and/or aortic valve was performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality.     

Progress in treatment of ascending aortic aneurysms due to dissection,arteriosclerosis, or cystic medial degeneration

The recent results of surgical treatment of ascending aortic aneurysms caused by dissection, arteriosclerosis, or cystic medial degeneration are reviewed. Important technical advances and the various techniques currently employed are examined. Recent improvements in the results of surgical treatment of acute dissections have resulted in a more aggressive surgical approach with early operative intervention. For patients with cystic medial degeneration treated by supracoronary graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement, late development of aneuryms of the sinuses of Valsalva suggests that composite graft replacement to exclude the aortic sinuses may be the preferred method of treatment.     

Surgically treated aortic root aneurysm following aortic valve replacement

A 65-year-old man with aortic regurgitation underwent aortic valve replacement with a St. Jude Medical prosthetic valve about 6 years ago. At that time, the aortic root was slightly dilated at about 40 mm in diameter and the ascending aorta was within the normal range. This year, the man was diagnosed with an aortic root aneurysm in regular follow-up echocardiography. Chest-enhanced computed tomography and chest aortography at our hospital demonstrated a pear-like aortic root aneurysm about 60 mm in diameter. Elective operation for the aortic root aneurysm was conducted September 29, 1999, based on the Bentall procedure. Composite graft replacement with coronary reconstruction was conducted using a 28-mm Hemashield prosthetic graft and a 23-mm St. Jude Medical prosthetic valve under cardiopulmonary bypass. An 8-mm Hemashield graft was interposed on the left main coronary artery and the right coronary artery was directly anastomosed using a Carrel patch method. The postoperative course was uneventful and post-operative examination demonstrated good surgical results. Histological findings of the aortic aneurysm wall showed cystic medial necrosis. Surgical cases of aortic root aneurysm after aortic valve replacement are rare, but serious complications with the possibility of rupture or dissection warrant surgical intervention.     

Composite valve-graft replacement of aortic root using separate Dacron tube for coronary artery reattachment

Traditional techniques of aortic root replacement have consisted of separate valve and graft replacement or use of a composite valve graft. These methods have been associated with problems including hemostasis, suture line disruption, and pseudoaneurysm development. They have had limited application in patients without sinus segment enlargement and acute aortic dissection. Between May 21, 1986, and September 7, 1988, 90 patients (73 male and 17 female) underwent replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta using a composite valve graft with reattachment of the coronary ostia using a separate, smaller (10 mm) Dacron tube graft. Aortic root replacement was done alone in 41 patients (46%), in association with a concomitant cardiac procedure in 26 patients (29%), and in 23 patients (26%) undergoing cardiac reoperation with and without a concomitant procedure. Aortic arch replacement was required in 25 patients (28%). Profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest were employed in 29 patients (32%). Early survival was 91% (82/90), and there were 4 late deaths. The procedure was found to be hemostatic (only 4 patients [4%] required reexploration for hemorrhage) and durable (no reoperation for pseudoaneurysm formation was necessary).     

Reoperative cryopreserved root and ascending aorta replacement for acute aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis (PVE) is an important complication of aortic valve replacement (AVR) and is a particularly difficult situation after an operation combining AVR with ascending aortic replacement. METHODS: From 1988 through 2000, 27 patients with aortic valve PVE after previous ascending aortic replacement (aortic root replacement in 13, aortic valve replacement with a supracoronary graft in 14) underwent reoperation for aortic root replacement with a cryopreserved aortic allograft and prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy. All patients were considered to have active PVE (25 with positive cultures); root abscess formation was present in 89% and aortoventricular discontinuity in 41%. RESULTS: One patient (3.7%) died in-hospital, and permanent pacemakers were required in 10 patients (37%). Mean postoperative follow-up interval was 3.9 +/- 3.0 years, and survival at 1, 2, 5, and 7.5 years was 92%, 88%, 70%, and 56%, respectively. One patient underwent reoperation for recurrent PVE 8 months after operation. CONCLUSIONS: Radical debridement of infected prosthetic material and tissue, and allograft aortic root and ascending aorta replacement, combined with intravenous antibiotic therapy, appears to achieve a low hospital mortality and a high degree of freedom from recurrent infection for patients with PVE after AVR and ascending aortic replacement.     

Replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta with a valved stentless composite graft: technical considerations and early clinical results

BACKGROUND: Replacement of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta with a conduit consisting of a mechanical valve and a Dacron tube has become a fairly common procedure. Commercially available conduits employing xenografts are rarely used for the same purpose, because if a reoperation becomes necessary due to degeneration of the valve prosthesis, usually the entire conduit must be replaced. A composite graft with a stentless valve, such as we describe in this article, avoids this problem, because in case of reoperation only the valve cusps need to be resected and the tube graft may be left in place. METHODS: Surgical technique of replacement of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta with a stentless composite graft and early results of the procedure are presented. RESULTS: Hemodynamics of the graft soon after surgery were excellent, with an average systolic gradient of 8 mm Hg and no regurgitation across the valve. There were two reoperations for bleeding in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The stentless composite graft we describe provides excellent hemodynamics, has no need for anticoagulation, and is expected to offer a benefit in case of reoperation.     

Surgery of the ascending aorta: five years'' experience at a regional cardiac centre.

Between 1972 and 1978, 31 patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta, with or without aortic valve surgery, at the Wessex Regional Cardiac Centre. The commonest indications for operation were aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta causing aortic regurgitation and acute dissection of the ascending aorta. Eleven of the 31 patients had features of Marfan's syndrome. The overall hospital mortality was 19.4%, a figure comparable with those reported in other series; ventricular failure secondary to ischaemia during operation was the commonest cause of death. The long-term symptomatic results were excellent, except in the two patients who underwent resuspension of the aortic valve for aortic regurgiation associated with acute dissections. For aneurysms of the ascending aorta with associated aortic regurgitation, replacement of the valve and ascending aorta with a combined valve prosthesis and synthetic tube graft, with reimplantation of the coronary ostia, is the procedure of choice if the aortic valve ring is diseased. Experience to date indicates that replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with separate prostheses, leaving the coronary ostia undisturbed, is a satisfactory alternative provided the aortic annulus is of suitable size and quality; this is more likely to be the case in dissections than in aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta. Replacement of the ascending aorta may also be indicated in some cases of dilatation of the ascending aorta secondary to aortic valve disease if the aortic wall is unusually thin.     

Replacement of the Ascending Aorta and Aortic Valve with a Composite Graft: Results in 86 Patients

We reviewed our entire experience with composite graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve during a 63 month interval ending in December, 1979. Anuloaortic ectasia was the most common indication for operation, followed by aortic dissection (acute and chronic). Hospital mortality was 5% and was related to the preoperative functional status and the duration of intraoperative myocardial ischemia. Reoperation on the ascending aorta for reasons other than postoperative hemorrhage was required in five of the 82 hospital survivors (6%). By actuarial analysis, 90% of hospital survivors were free of any reoperation on the ascending aorta or aortic valve three years postoperatively, and 93% were free of reoperation related specifically to the composite graft. Pseudoaneurysms at the coronary ostia or distal aortic anastomosis were observed in five of 16 patients having postoperative angiography. One of the five patients has required reoperation. Follow-up has averaged 23.5 months (range: 0.2-60 months). Three year actuarial survival for the 86 patients was 81%, for 44 patients with anuloaortic ectasia was 88%, and for 31 patients with aortic dissection was 83%. Composite graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve is a satisfactory alternative to supracoronary graft replacement and aortic valve replacement. It offers the advantage of excluding all aneurysmal tissue from the aortic anulus to the innominate artery, thereby eliminating the potential for later development of aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva, a known complication of the supracoronary technique. It is the method of choice for patients with anuloaortic ectasia and cephalad displacement of the coronary ostia. It is suitable for many patients with acute or chronic dissection and for patients with sinuses of Valsalva aneurysms following previous operations on the ascending aorta or aortic valve.     

Repair of an ascending aortic aneurysm using reduction aortoplasty in a Jehovah's Witness

Reduction ascending aortoplasty has been advocated as a possible alternative to traditional graft replacement for treatment of aneurysms of the ascending aorta and root. We report a case of a 58-year-old Jehovah's Witness female, with a 5.5-cm ascending aortic aneurysm and critical aortic stenosis. She underwent aortic valve replacement and reduction aortoplasty buttressed with a Dacron graft. We reviewed the history and contemporary applications of this technique and concluded that aortic reduction with externally supported aortoplasty may represent a viable option to treat Jehovah's Witness patients with ascending aorta and root aneurysm.     

Surgical repair of dissection of the upper descending thoracic aorta and discrete ascending aortic aneurysm.

This report describes successful staged surgical repair in 2 patients with dissection of the upper descending thoracic aorta (DeBakey type III) with coexisting discrete Marfan's aneurysms of the ascending aorta. Initial repair of the descending aortic dissection was done through a left thoracotomy using a transverse aorta--femoral artery shunt in 1 patient and a left ventricular apex--femoral artery shunt without systemic heparinization in the other. Emphasis is placed on the need for pharmacological reduction of blood pressure during aortic cross-clamping as well as the use of a shunt to prevent dissection of the ascending aortic aneurysm. In both patients, subsequent repair of the ascending aortic aneurysm was accomplished using composite graft replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta. This operation is advised for such patients even in the absence of notable aortic valve incompetence.     

Long-term effectiveness of operations for ascending aortic dissections

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term effectiveness of a strategy for managing the aortic root and distal aorta according to the pathology in ascending aortic dissection. METHODS: From 1978 to 1995, 208 patients underwent operations for acute (n = 135) and chronic (n = 73) ascending aortic dissection. Surgical strategies included valve resuspension with supracoronary aortic root repair and ascending aortic graft for normal sinuses and valve (n = 135), composite valve and ascending aortic graft for abnormal sinuses and valve (n = 47), and valve replacement and supracoronary ascending aortic graft for normal sinuses and abnormal valve (n = 26). Resection extended into the arch only if the intimal tear originated in or extended to the aortic arch (n = 31). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 14%. Cardiogenic shock (P =.002) and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (P =.001) were associated with increased risk; use of circulatory arrest (P =.0003) decreased risk. Survival was 87%, 68%, and 52% at 30 days, 5 years, and 10 years, respectively. Advanced age, earlier date of operation, composite graft, and arch resection were associated with decreased survival; residual distal dissected aorta was not. Reoperation was required for 5 proximal and 8 distal problems. CONCLUSIONS: In both acute and chronic ascending aortic dissections, (1) circulatory arrest is associated with low early mortality; (2) with normal sinuses and valve, supracoronary repair of the dissected aortic root and valve resuspension is effective long term; and (3) residual distal dissected aorta does not decrease late survival and has a low risk of aneurysmal change and reoperation for at least 10 years.     

Aortic valve sparing operations: an update

Background. Aortic valve sparing operations in patients with ascending aorta and/or aortic root aneurysms have been performed for a decade in our institution. Initially only patients with normal aortic valve leaflets had these operations, but more recently we utilized them in patients with prolapse of a single leaflet and in those with a bicuspid aortic valve. This article is an update on the clinical results of these operations.

Methods. From May 1988 to December 1997, 126 patients with ascending aorta and/or aortic root aneurysms and aortic insufficiency underwent replacement of the ascending aorta with reconstruction of the aortic root and preservation of the native aortic valve. There were 85 men and 41 women, with a mean age of 54 years (range, 14 to 84). Thirty-two patients had the Marfan syndrome; 17 patients had acute and 10 had chronic type A aortic dissection; 23 had a transverse arch aneurysm; 26 had coronary artery disease, and 8 had mitral regurgitation. The aortic valve sparing operation consisted of simple adjustment of the sinotubular junction in 33 patients, adjustment of the sinotubular junction and replacement of one or more aortic sinuses in 60, and reimplantation of the aortic valve in a tubular Dacron (C.R. Bard, Haverhill, PA) graft in 33. Fifteen patients also had repair of aortic leaflet prolapse. Only 4 patients had a bicuspid aortic valve.

Results. There were 3 operative deaths due to cardiac failure. Patients were followed from 2 to 117 months, with a mean of 31. There were 11 late deaths: 7 cardiovascular and 4 from unrelated causes. The actuarial survival was 72 ± 8% at 7 years. Two patients required aortic valve replacement; the freedom from aortic valve replacement was 97 ± 2% at 7 years. Doppler echocardiography revealed absent, trivial or mild aortic insufficiency in most patients; only 9 patients had moderate aortic insufficiency.

Conclusions. Aortic valve sparing operations are feasible in most patients with ascending aorta and/or aortic root aneurysms who have normal or near normal aortic leaflets. The functional results of the repaired aortic valve are excellent, and the repair appears to be durable.     

Pulmonary artery aneurysm with ascending aortic aneurysm concomitant with bilateral bicuspid semilunar valves

Aneurysm of both the pulmonary trunk and the ascending aorta concomitant with bilateral bicuspid valves is very rare. The reason for the formation of aneurysm with bicuspid semilunar valve is still inconclusive. Surgical repair was performed successfully (ie, aortic valve replacement, graft replacement for the ascending aorta, and plication of the pulmonary artery). Pathology of the pulmonary artery wall did not demonstrate cystic medial necrosis. The hemodynamic turbulence by the bilateral bicuspid valve may cause the formation of aneurysms even at low pressure. This case demonstrates an explanation for aneurysm with the bicuspid valve.     

Emergent David-V operation for a ruptured aortic root aneurysm in a 9-year-old child.

Ruptured aortic root aneurysm is very rare in children less than 10 years of age. Isolated dilatation of the ascending aorta and/or aortic root in a child is mostly associated with Marfan's syndrome, and the standard surgical treatment is aortic root replacement with a composite valve graft or homograft. We report here a successful emergent T. David-V operation using two grafts of different sizes for a ruptured aortic root aneurysm in a 9-year-old child with Marfan's syndrome.     

Aortic valve reimplantation in ascending aortic aneurysm: risk factors for early valve failure

BACKGROUND: Aortic root reconstruction by reimplantation of the native valve represents a new therapeutic option for ascending aortic aneurysms. Information about long-term follow-up is limited, and possible predictors for failure of reconstruction have not been evaluated so far. METHODS: After aortic valve reimplantation 101 patients were followed in a prospective observational study. From this cohort the first 75 consecutive patients with a complete 1-year follow-up were chosen for further analysis. Clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained preoperatively, intraoperatively, and early postoperatively, as well as after 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: No mortality was observed within the first 30 days. There were 52 male patients, mean age was 49.1+/-20.6 years, observation period was 35.6+/-20.6 months, and Marfan's syndrome was present in 22 patients. Although in 67 patients a stable valve function could be demonstrated, 5 patients presented with mild aortic insufficiency or had to be operated on again for secondary valve failure (n = 3). Analyzing possible demographic, disease-related, and procedure-related risk factors in a multivariable approach, only level of coaptation within the graft (as assessed by echocardiography) could be identified as being related to the subsequent development of aortic insufficiency. Coaptation level within the tube graft (type A) resulted in a mean aortic regurgitation grade of 0.3+/-0.5 as compared with a mean grade of 2.5+/-0.6 for a coaptation type C (below the prosthesis; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve reimplantation is a promising alternative to alloprosthetic composite replacement. A level of coaptation within the tube graft is essential to achieve valve competence.     

Aortic insufficiency secondary to aortic root aneurysm or dissection.

Twenty-four patients with aortic regurgitation secondary to aortic root aneurysm (13 patients) or dissection (11 patients) were operated on, utilizing a variety of surgical procedures to cope with the varied pathological findings. These ranged from primary repair of the ascending aorta without any prostheses in patients with acute aortic dissection to replacement of the valve and the entire ascending aorta for aortic root aneurysm. In four patients with Marfan syndrome the right coronary artery was transplanted to the ascending aortic graft, allowing an extension of the graft to the valve anulus and excision of the entire aneurysmal aorta. The immediate and late results have been most encouraging.