Concurrent single stage repair of coarctation of aorta and associated cardiac pathology in adult patients

Background Thoracic aortic coarctation and associated intracradiac pathology including a concomitant valvular lesion or coronary artery disease is an uncommon combination in adult patients. The simultaneous operative management of both lesion is preferred to avoid a second redo surgery and the risks associated with it. Methods We describe a simultaneous operative management of six adult patients with coarctation of aorta and associated cardiac lesion. All six patients had heterotopic bypass (Dacron tube implanted between the ascending and descending aorta) to repair the coarctation and concomitant repair of the cardiac lesion. The associated procedures were aortic valve replacement in 3 patients, coronary artery bypass grafting in 2 patients and mitral valve replacement in 1 patient. Results There were no operative deaths and all patients are doing well on follow up with patent coarctation of aorta bypass graft at a mean follow up of 18 months. No graft related complications occurred, and there were no instance of stroke or paraplegia. All patients had an uneventful post operative course and are on routine out patient follow up. Conclusion A median sternotomy for repairing adult coarctation of aorta with concomitant cardiac lesion can be performed safely and readily managed as an excellent single stage approach.     

升主动脉至胸降主动脉人工血管转流在主动脉缩窄外科治疗中的应用

目的：分析总结使用升主动脉至胸降主动脉人工血管转流术治疗成人型主动脉缩窄10例临床病例资料,探讨升主动脉至胸降主动脉人工血管转流术在临床中治疗主动脉缩窄的意义。方法中国医学科学院、北京协和医院心脏外科2006年1月-2015年12月共收治成人主动脉缩窄患者10例,其中男性患者7例,女性患者3例,年龄14~35岁,中位年龄27岁,其中1例合并主动脉瓣二瓣畸形及主动脉根部瘤样扩张,余均为单纯主动脉缩窄。10例患者静息情况下测量上下肢压差均大于20 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),术前评估无明确手术禁忌。10例均在体外循环下行升主动脉至胸降主动脉人工血管转流术,合并主动脉瓣二瓣畸形及主动脉根部扩张的患者,同时行Bentall术。结果无围术期死亡及大出血、脊髓缺血性损害等严重并发症,嘱托患者出院后3~6个月门诊复查,复测上下肢压差均小于20 mmHg,CTA结果提示未见动脉瘤、人工血管血栓形成等表现。结论利用人工血管从升主动脉转流至降主动脉是治疗胸主动脉缩窄的有效方法。     

Extraanatomic aortic bypass for repair of aortic coarctation

We describe two adult patients who underwent extraanatomic ascending aorta-to-descending thoracic aorta bypass grafting for repair of aortic coarctation through a median sternotomy and posterior pericardial approach. Of the two patients, one presented with coarctation and concurrent cardiovascular disorders, and the other, with residual coarctation. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established with double arterial cannulation in the aorta or axillary artery and the femoral artery ensure adequate perfusion proximal and distal to coarctation and bicaval cannulation. The heart was retracted cephalic and superiorly, and the descending thoracic aorta was exposed through the posterior pericardium. After achieving distal anastomosis, the graft was directed anterior to the inferior vena cava and lateral to the right atrium, and anastomosed to the right lateral aspect of the ascending aorta. A 14-mm graft was used. In one patient receiving concomitant procedures, mitral valve repair and replacement of the ascending aorta was performed after the distal anastomosis.     

正中切口解剖外旁路移植术一期治疗主动脉缩窄合并心脏畸形

目的总结正中切口解剖外旁路移植术一期治疗主动脉缩窄合并心脏畸形的外科治疗经验,以提高手术疗效。方法1997年7月至2008年7月,采用正中切口解剖外旁路移植术一期治疗主动脉缩窄合并心脏畸形31例,其中男20例,女11例;年龄31．9±11．7岁。合并的心脏畸形包括：主动脉瓣狭窄或关闭不全22例,二尖瓣狭窄或关闭不全9例,动脉导管未闭5例,升主动脉瘤4例,室间隔缺损3例,冠心病2例。解剖外旁路移植术包括升主动脉-腹主动脉旁路移植术22例,升主动脉-心包后降主动脉旁路移植术9例。同期手术包括主动脉瓣置换术16例,主动脉根部置换术6例,二尖瓣成形或置换术9例,升主动脉置换或成形术4例,动脉导管未闭缝合术5例,室间隔缺损修补术3例,冠状动脉旁路移植术2例。结果住院死亡1例（3．2％）,术后39d死于感染性中毒性休克。术后上、下肢收缩压压差较术前明显下降（13．7±10．2mmHg vs．64．2±25．3mmHg,P〈0．05）。随访27例,随访时间4～73个月,无晚期死亡、与人工血管相关的并发症和再次手术患者。结论正中切口解剖外旁路移植术是一期治疗成人及青少年主动脉缩窄合并心脏畸形的一种安全有效的手术方法。升主动脉腹主动脉旁路移植术及升主动脉-心包后降主动脉旁路移植术均可获得满意疗效。     

Posterior pericardial approach for ascending aorta-to-descending aorta bypass through a median sternotomy

BACKGROUND: Bypass grafting for repeat operation or complex forms of descending aortic disease is an alternative approach to decrease potential complications of anatomic repair. METHODS: Between December 1985 and February 1998, 17 patients (13 men, 4 women; mean age, 47.6 +/- 18.5 years) underwent ascending aorta-to-descending aorta bypass through a median sternotomy and posterior pericardial approach. Indications for operation were coarctation or recoarctation of aorta in 8 patients, Takayasu's aortitis in 2, prosthetic aortic valve stenosis associated with coarctation of aorta, complex descending aortic arch aneurysm, reoperation for chronic descending aortic dissection, long-segment stenosis of descending aorta, acquired coarctation after repair of traumatic transection of descending aorta, severe aortic atherosclerosis, and false aneurysm of descending aorta after repair of coarctation in 1 patient each. Concomitant procedures were performed in 12 patients. RESULTS: No early or late mortality has occurred. Follow-up was 100% complete and extended to 12 years (mean, 2.7 +/- 3.3 years). No late graft-related complications have occurred; 1 patient had successful repair of perivalvular leak after mitral valve replacement, and 1 patient had replacement of lower descending and abdominal aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of the descending aorta through the posterior pericardium for ascending aorta-descending aorta bypass is a safe alternative and particularly useful when simultaneous intracardiac repair is necessary.     

Single-stage repair of acute type A aortic dissection associated with aortic coarctation, perimembranous ventricular septal defect, and bicuspid aortic valve

A 17-year-old man with coarctation of the thoracic aorta, bicuspid aortic valve, perimembranous ventricular septal defect, and acute type A dissection of the ascending aorta underwent emergency repair for dissection by means of single-stage replacement of not only the aortic valve and ascending aorta, but also simultaneous repair of the coarctation by graft interposition. These combined conditions comprised some difficulties that included decisions on the optimal timing and sequence of surgical repair, technique, and circulatory support.     

经颈动脉腔内技术重建主动脉弓治疗Stanford A型夹层动脉瘤(附1例报告)

目的探讨血管腔内技术重建主动脉弓治疗升主动脉、主动脉弓病变的可行性。方法2005年,对1例StanfordA型夹层动脉瘤,腔内修复主动脉病变之前做右颈总动脉-左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉的旁路术;经右颈总动脉将修改的分叉支架型血管主体放入升主动脉,长臂位于无名动脉。短臂应用延长支架型血管延伸至降主动脉。通过腔内技术重建主动脉弓实现累及升主动脉和主动脉弓主动脉病变的微创治疗。结果腔内修复术后移植物形态良好,血流通畅,病变被隔绝,脑、躯干、四肢循环稳定。无严重并发症。结论该手术方案设计合理、技术可行。可能成为复杂胸主动脉病变新的腔内治疗模式。     

Ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via posterior pericardium for complex coarctation of aorta

Abstract   We introduce our surgical experience in treating recurrent aortic coarctation or coarctation associated with intracardiac abnormalities, which is difficult to manage. Four patients underwent the operation with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. During the surgery, the posterior pericardium was opened and the thoracic aorta was dissected and sidebiting clamped, and an end-to-side anastomosis of the artificial graft to the descending aorta was performed. The graft was passed in between the inferior vena cava and the inferior right pulmonary vein and posterior to the pericardium. After that, the aorta was clamped and intracardiac repair was finished. Then the proximal artificial graft was anastomosed to the right side of the ascending aorta with heart beating. All patients recovered smoothly. There was no early or late death, without bleeding or other complications after operation. Conclusion : "Complex coarctation" can be treated with ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via posterior pericardium and satisfied result can be achieved.     

经胸骨正中切口一期矫治主动脉缩窄或主动脉弓中断合并心内畸形

目的 总结经胸骨正中切口一期矫治主动脉缩窄或弓中断合并心内畸形的经验.方法 2007年1月-2008年7月手术治疗24例.包括主动脉缩窄9例,主动脉缩窄合并主动脉弓发育不良12例,主动脉弓中断3例.4例合并右室双出口(Traussig-Bing型).22例合并非限制性室间隔缺损,2例不合并室间隔缺损病儿1例合并主动脉瓣下狭窄,另l例合并肺静脉狭窄.主动脉弓降部成形均在深低温低流量持续性选择性脑灌注下进行.3例主动脉弓中断及9例主动脉缩窄病儿采用端端吻合术.12例主动脉缩窄合并主动脉弓发育不良病儿中采用扩大端端吻合术8例,端侧吻合术2例,补片成形术2例.结果 死亡2例.全组病儿围术期未出现神经系统并发症及肾功能损害.术后反复呼吸道感染2例.除l例残存压差大于20mm Hg外,最长随访18个月,尚未发现再缩窄发生.结论 主动脉缩窄或弓中断合并心内畸形一经诊断即需尽早手术.经胸骨正中切口一期矫治是安全、有效的.充分切除动脉导管组织,广泛彻底游离松解胸部各血管进行无张力吻合以及选择恰当的组织一组织吻合术式是主动脉弓降部成形手术成功及减少再缩窄发生的关键.     

Interventional and surgical management of aortic stenosis and coarctation

Two patients, aged 42 and 44 years old, presented with the combination of aortic valve stenosis and coarctation. To avoid potential problems associated with one stage repair, both patients underwent successful endovascular stent implantation for coarctation followed within 2 weeks by aortic valve replacement using pulmonary autografts (Ross operation). Spiral thoracic computed tomographic scans were performed within 1 week of stent implantation to ensure the absence of aneurysm formation related to the stent before cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Extraanatomic aortic bypass for repair of aortic arch coarctation via sternotomy: midterm clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results

BACKGROUND: We analyzed our 22 years of experience with extraanatomic bypass grafting for repair of aortic arch coarctation in adults. Results from early and midterm follow-up with clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance angiography are reported. METHODS: Between November 1979 and December 2001, 18 consecutive patients aged 18 to 61 years (mean, 31.8 +/- 13.3 years) underwent extraanatomic bypass grafting to repair coarctation of the aortic arch. Six patients (33.3%) had recoarctation after previous repair through a left thoracotomy, and 3 (16.7%) had associated cardiac diseases. The operative technique used in all patients was ascending aorta-to-descending thoracic aorta bypass with a polyethylene terephthalate fiber (Dacron) graft through a median sternotomy and posterior pericardial approach. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in all patients, with a mean duration of 5.6 +/- 5.7 years (range, 12 months to 22 years). The follow-up interval exceeded 10 years in 5 patients. No neurologic complications, early or late mortality, late reoperations, or graft complications occurred. Six patients (33.3%) had mild hypertension. All patients were asymptomatic with patent Dacron grafts confirmed by echocardiography. Magnetic resonance angiography, performed in 15 (83.3%) patients, revealed that the Dacron grafts were still patent at a mean interval of 4.0 +/- 6.2 years (range, 5 days to 22 years) after repair. CONCLUSIONS: Extraanatomic ascending aorta-to-descending thoracic aorta bypass grafting for repair of aortic arch coarctation in adults is safe, with low morbidity and no mortality. The favorable midterm results indicate this technique is a safe and less invasive means of repairing aortic arch coarctation or recoarctation in adults.     

Anesthesia for total and descending aorta replacement and aortic valve replacement for post-repair aneurysm of coarctation of aorta and aortic stenosis

We experienced anesthesia for total arch and descending aorta replacement and aortic valve replacement for post-repair aneurysm of coarctation of aorta and aortic stenosis. Because there was possibility that post coarctectomy syndrome would occur after repair of coarctation of aorta, administration of depressor that acts on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and careful observation were needed postoperatively. In consideration of the development of collateral vessels, preoperative imaging evaluation was added and operative method in cardiopulmonary bypass was adjusted. Careful preoperative evaluation is very important in cardiac anesthesia.     

Aneurysm of the ascending aorta in its coarctation

In long-term period after resection of aorta coarctation, 9-14% patients developed aortic aneurysms, one third of them localized in the ascending aorta. From 146 patients operated on for aneurysm of the ascending aorta, 3 had aortic coarctation. In 2 patients aneurysms of the ascending aorta formed late after resection of the coarctation, the third patient was hospitalized with clinical picture of cardiac insufficiency at terminal stage due to coarctation of the aorta and a giant aneurysm of the ascending aorta with significant aortic insufficiency. The patients underwent successful surgeries: 1) ascending aorta grafting; 2) aortic valve and ascending aorta grafting by Bentallo de Bono method; 3) aortic valve and ascending aorta grafting by Bentallo de Bono method with bypass of descending aorta from the conduit. Cystic medianecrosis and two-volume aortic valve were revealed in all the patients. It is concluded that patients after surgery for coarctation of the aorta require long-term follow-up to defect cardiovascular complications early.     

Ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via right thoracotomy for complex (re-) coarctation and hypoplastic aortic arch.

OBJECTIVE: Operation for aortic recoarctation and/or residual hypoplastic arch represents a surgical challenge because of surrounding scar tissue in the coarctation area, hazard of spinal cord ischemia due to aortic cross-clamping, laceration of the recurrent nerve, and the choice of the best approach. We demonstrate the results of 52 operations of an extra anatomically bypass technique via right thoracotomy approach without establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Since 1987, 52 patients underwent extra anatomically positioned ascending-descending bypass grafting. Indication was aortic recoarctation with concomitant hypoplastic aortic arch (45 patients), atypical coarctation of aortic arch (2 patients), congenital anomalies of aortic arch (2 patients) and concomitant aortic coarctation and associated cardiac problems that required surgical repair (2 patient), infected stent-graft of descending aorta (1 patient). Mean age was 19.3 years. Systolic pressure gradients at rest ranged from 35 to 90mmHg; upper extremity hypertension was present in all patients. Operative technique consisted of performing aorta ascending-descending bypass graft size 16 or 18mm in diameter, via right thoracotomy (in 51 patient) or sternotomy (in 1 patient). RESULTS: The mortality rate was 1.9% (1/52). Five patients returned to the operating room (in 3-5 days after operation) for a lymphorrhea complication. An arterial pressure gradient in the limbs was totally corrected. During a follow-up period of actually 79+/-54 months, no adverse event was noticed and antihypertensive medication was stopped in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via right thoracotomy is a safe and effective method for management complex (re-) coarctation and hypoplastic aortic arch.     

A difficult case of retrieval of an aortic valve and balloon during a transcatheter aortic valve implantation

INTRODUCTIONTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) represents an emerging therapy for valve replacement in patients not suitable for traditional open repair. As awareness of the procedure grows, case numbers are increasing worldwide. Though this procedure represents a less invasive approach to aortic valve replacement, it is not without complications.PRESENTATION OF CASEThis case presentation describes a serious, previously unreported, complication incurred in an 83-year-old male in whom TAVI was attempted. During deployment of the valve at the aortic annulus, both the valve and accompanying balloon embolised into the thoracic aorta and this was further complicated by migration of the balloon into the abdominal aorta and an aortic dissection. The false lumen of the dissection at the level of the infrarenal aorta was tacked to the aortic adventitial wall using interrupted sutures through a laparotomy. A completion angiogram demonstrated that a flow limited dissection did extend up to both common iliac arteries. This was managed with balloon-expandable covered stents deployed in both common iliac arteries with satisfactory outcome.DISCUSSIONThis case occurred as a combination of multiple factors that include lack of burst pacing and poor timing of the balloon inflation. The aortic balloon and the valve had to be removed urgently to avoid ventricular embolization of these structures that can result in a fatal situation.CONCLUSIONThis case presentation describes the management of these complications using a combined open and endovascular approach in a well-equipped hybrid operating theatre, resulting in the patient survival.     

Aortic root aneurysm in an adult patient with aortic coarctation: a single-stage approach

Coarctation of the aorta is a common congenital defect that may be undiagnosed until adulthood. Moreover, coarctation is associated with congenital and acquired cardiac pathology that may require surgical intervention. The management of an adult patient with aortic coarctation and an associated cardiac defect poses a great technical challenge since there are no standard guidelines for the therapy of such a complex pathology. Several extra-anatomic bypass grafting techniques have been described, including methods in which distal anastomosis is performed on the descending thoracic aorta, allowing simultaneous intracardiac repair. We report here a 37-year old man who was diagnosed with an aortic root aneurysm and aortic coarctation. The patient was treated electively with a single-stage approach through a median sternotomy that consisted of valve-sparing replacement of the aortic root and ascending-to-descending extra-anatomic aortic bypass, using a 18-mm Dacron graft. Firstly, the aortic root was replaced with the Yacoub remodelling procedure, and then the distal anastomosis was performed to the descending aorta, behind the heart, with the posterior pericardial approach. The extra-anatomic bypass graft was brought laterally from the right atrium and implanted in the ascending graft. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and a control computed tomographic angiogram 1 month after complete repair showed good results.     

Acute type A aortic dissection and coarctation of aortic isthmus

Acute type A aortic dissection and coarctation of the aorta is a rare associated disease. A case of two-stage repair is presented. Firstly the ascending aorta and the right hemi-arch was replaced using deep hypo-thermic circulatory arrest. Cardiopulmonary bypass was proximally instituted, in a patient with total aortic isthmus occlusion, using right axillary artery cannulation. Distally arterial perfusion was obtained cannulating the bilateral hypoplasic femoral arteries. Ten months later a left subclavian artery-descending thoracic aorta bypass was performed.     

Middle aortic syndrome: distal thoracic and abdominal coarctation,a disorder with multiple etiologies

BACKGROUND:

Congenital coarctation of the thoracic aorta at the ligamentum arteriosum or the aortic arch is well recognized. But a much less common variety (0.5% to 2.0%) of aortic coarctation is located in the distal thoracic aorta, or abdominal aorta, or both and is often called “middle aortic syndrome” or “mid-aortic dysplastic syndrome.” These types of aortic coarctation are most often secondary to a form of granulomatis vasculitis commonly known as Takayasu’s disease in this country or aortitis syndrome in Japan. No single genesis explains every case and beside vasculitis as a cause, some are thought to be congenital in origin and others are associated with von Recklinghausen’s disease.

STUDY DESIGN:

Eight patients with severe hypertension or claudication secondary to middle aortic coarctation were studied with aortograms and subsequently treated by vascular reconstruction procedures.

RESULTS:

Vascular reconstructions consisted of aortoaortic bypass, aortic resection with interposed grafting, reanastomotic resection of renal arteries into prosthetic grafts, and renal artery bypass with autogenous material. All eight patients’ grafts have remained patent, with followups of 4 to 9 years, with relief of hypertension and claudication. Although Takayasu’s disease can be progressive, aggressive surgical treatment in eight patients followed for 4 to 8 years postoperatively demonstrates that severe hypertension, claudication, or both are important indications for revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS:

Whatever the cause, assuming that active aortic inflammation has been medically treated and is in a burned-out state, patients with abdominal coarctation who have symptomatic renovascular hypertension, claudication, or both are good candidates for revascularization. Although surgical repair is more difficult than with congenital thoracic coarctation, because aortic walls are fibrotic and often also involve the renals, all eight of our patients had successful longterm correction of their hypertension and coarctation.     

Anatomically positioned aorta ascending-descending bypass grafting via left posterolateral thoracotomy for reoperation of aortic coarctation.

OBJECTIVE: Operation for aortic recoarctation and/or residual hypoplastic arch represents a surgical challenge because of surrounding scar tissue in the coarctation area, hazard of spinal cord ischemia due to aortic cross-clamping, laceration of the recurrent nerve, and the choice of the best approach. We demonstrate the first results of an anatomically guided technique via the prior left thoracotomy approach without establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Since 1989, five patients underwent anatomically positioned ascending-descending bypass grafting for treatment of recoarctation. Indication was a non-dilatable hypoplastic aortic arch segment; in two cases an additional isthmic restenosis was present. Inclusion criteria for our technique was an aorta ascending diameter large enough to allow partial clamping. Primary repair of aortic coarctation was end-to-end anastomosis in four patients and patch angioplasty in one. Mean age at primary repair was 5.5 years and at reoperation 16.1 years. Systolic pressure gradients at rest ranged from 35 to 70 mmHg; upper extremity hypertension was present in all patients. Operative technique consisted of performing a dacron or PTFE aorta ascending-descending bypass graft parallel to the aortic arch, size 18 or 20 mm in diameter, via the prior left thoracotomy. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications and all patients survived. Postoperative complications were left lung atelectasis with necessity of reintubation, pericardial effusion, and transient left diaphragm elevation, each in one patient. After 7-90 months all patients are free of symptoms, have normal blood pressure (with two patients being under anti-hypertensive medication), and have no echocardiographically measurable pressure gradients. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomically positioned aorta ascending-descending bypass grafting via the prior left posterolateral thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass is a safe and efficient method for operation of complex recoarctation in patients with an acceptable size of the aorta ascendens.     

Total arch replacement of late aneurysm after bypass grafting for coarctation of the aorta.

We present the case of a 53-year-old man who underwent a total arch replacement for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm of distal anastomosis site after bypass grafting for coarctation of the aorta at 26 years of age.