Blunt traumatic aortic injuries of the ascending aorta and aortic arch: A clinical multicentre study

Objective

To report the clinical and radiological characteristics, management and outcomes of traumatic ascending aorta and aortic arch injuries.

Methods

Historic cohort multicentre study including 17 major trauma patients with traumatic aortic injury from January 2000 to January 2011.

Results

The most common mechanism of blunt trauma was motor-vehicle crash (47%) followed by motorcycle crash (41%). Patients sustaining traumatic ascending aorta or aortic arch injuries presented a high proportion of myocardial contusion (41%); moderate or greater aortic valve regurgitation (12%); haemopericardium (35%); severe head injuries (65%) and spinal cord injury (23%). The 58.8% of the patients presented a high degree aortic injury (types III and IV). Expected in-hospital mortality was over 50% as defined by mean TRISS 59.7 (SD 38.6) and mean ISS 48.2 (SD 21.6) on admission. Observed in-hospital mortality was 53%. The cause of death was directly related to the ATAI in 45% of cases, head and abdominal injuries being the cause of death in the remaining 55% cases. Long-term survival was 46% at 1 year, 39% at 5 years, and 19% at 10 years.

Conclusions

Traumatic aortic injuries of the ascending aorta/arch should be considered in any major thoracic trauma patient presenting cardiac tamponade, aortic valve regurgitation and/or myocardial contusion. These aortic injuries are also associated with a high incidence of neurological injuries, which can be just as lethal as the aortic injury, so treatment priorities should be modulated on an individual basis.     

Meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of transesophageal echocardiography for assessment of atherosclerosis in the ascending aorta in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Background: Stroke after cardiac surgery may be caused by emboli emerging from an atherosclerotic ascending aorta (AA). Epiaortic ultrasound scanning (EUS), the current ‘gold’ standard for detecting AA atherosclerosis, has not gained widespread use because there is a lack of optimized ultrasound devices, it lengthens the procedure, it endangers sterility, and there is a false belief by many surgeons that palpation is as sensitive as EUS. Furthermore there is no clear evidence proving that the use of epiaortic scanning changes outcome in cardiac surgery. Various researchers investigated the ability of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to discriminate between the presence and absence of AA atherosclerosis. It is acknowledged that TEE has limited value in this, but it has never been supported by a meta‐analysis estimating the true diagnostic accuracy of TEE based on all quantitative evidence. We aimed to do this using state‐of‐the‐art methodology of diagnostic meta‐analyses. Methods: We searched multiple databases for studies comparing TEE vs. EUS for detection of atherosclerosis. A random‐effects bivariate meta‐regression model was used to obtain summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity, incorporating the correlation between sensitivity and specificity as well as covariates to explore heterogeneity across studies. Results: We extracted six studies with a total of 346 patients, of whom 419 aortic segments were analyzed, including 100 segments with atherosclerosis [median prevalence 25% (range 17–62%)]. Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 21% (95% CI 13–32%) and 99% (96–99%), respectively. Conclusions: Because of the low sensitivity of TEE for the detection of AA atherosclerosis, a negative test result requires verification by additional testing using epiaortic scanning. In case of a positive test result, AA atherosclerosis can be considered as present, and less manipulative strategies might be indicated.     

升主动脉和弓部动脉瘤的外科治疗

目的：总结升主动脉和弓部动脉瘤手术治疗经验，以期进一步提高手术疗效。方法：自2000年7月至2002年5月应用深低温停循环（DHCA）和上腔静脉逆行脑灌注（RCP）技术手术治疗升主动脉和弓部动脉瘤20例，其中急症手术5例。施行全弓置换术2例，全弓置换和象鼻手术3例，半弓置换术15例。同期行Bentall手术8例，升主动脉置换术或同时行主动脉瓣置换术12例，冠状动脉旁路移植术1例。结果：术后早期死亡1例，短时间浅昏迷1例，呼吸功能不全2例，肾功能不全2例，无晚期死亡。结论：DHCA和RCP技术是手术治疗升主动脉和弓部瘤的安全、有效方法，急性A型夹层动脉瘤的手术方式取决于内膜破裂口的位置；正确掌握DHCA和RCP技术，手术方式和手术技术、围术期处理是提高手术疗效的关键因素。     

Sutureless ring graft replacement of ascending aorta and aortic arch

Complications after aortic replacement that result from prolonged graft insertion time and technical difficulties with suturing through friable, diseased aortic tissue can be addressed with use of the sutureless intraluminal ring graft. Between 1978 and 1989, we replaced the ascending aorta or aortic arch with this device in 49 patients. At no time were we unable to use a sutureless graft during a procedure. Twenty-eight cases of aneurysmal disease and 21 cases of acute or chronic dissection were treated. Twenty-six patients required replacement of the aortic valve, with annuloartic ectasia being the most common indication (71%). Ten patients underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. The operative mortality rate for ascending aortic aneurysm repairs was 4%, and that for dissections was 18%. Five of 8 patients requiring aortic arch replacement survived. Most patients were studied angiographically before discharge. No complications were related to anastomotic hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm formation, graft migration, or thromboemboli. Individual cases of phrenic nerve palsy, acute tubular necrosis, and transient ischemic attack, all of which resolved completely, were identified. The actuarial 5-year survival rate is 64%. We conclude that modification of the sutureless intraluminal ring graft to suit the pathology encountered at operation allows the quickest repair with the least chance of anastomotic complication.     

主动脉成形术治疗主动脉瓣病变伴升主动脉扩张的疗效分析

目的总结主动脉成形术治疗主动脉瓣病变伴升主动脉扩张患者的临床经验及疗效。方法1998年2月至2004年5月共对23例主动脉瓣病变伴升主动脉扩张的患者行主动脉瓣膜置换和纵行切除部分升主动脉壁的主动脉成形术,术后随访4～78个月,平均(36±25)个月,分别于术前、术后出院前及术后随访中,通过心脏超声检查测量主动脉直径。结果主动脉直径术前为(4.8±0.5)cm,术后出院前为(3.6±0.4)cm,两者比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。术后随访中,主动脉直径为(3.7±0.4)cm,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),与术后出院前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论应用切除部分升主动脉壁的主动脉成形术治疗主动脉瓣病变伴升主动脉扩张或升主动脉瘤,中期疗效良好。     

主动脉弓腔内修复术后卒中的防治研究进展

传统开放性主动脉弓修复手术存在较高的围术期并发症和死亡风险。主动脉弓腔内修复术（EAAR）为开放手术高风险患者提供了微创治疗选择。然而,与传统开放手术相比,EAAR仍具有较高的卒中风险。分支技术是腔内治疗主动脉弓部疾病最具应用前景的技术之一,尽管其早期卒中风险略高于传统开放手术,但对于高风险患者来说,这样的风险是可以接受的。导致术后卒中的主要原因包括固体栓塞、气体栓塞和脑灌注不足。术前评估、围术期监测、药物预防和优化术中操作是预防EAAR术后卒中发生的关键策略。对于已经发生卒中的患者,及时诊断和评估、药物治疗和必要的手术干预是治疗的基石,而多学科有效协作对于改善患者的病情和预后亦尤为重要。目前,EAAR术后卒中的防治仍有很大的研究空间,因此,笔者就EAAR术后早期卒中的发生率、发生机制、危险因素以及预防和治疗策略方面进行论述,以期为临床工作提供思路。     

Repeat surgery for hemolysis 6 years after replacement of the ascending aorta for acute aortic dissection

A 71-year-old woman underwent replacement of the ascending aorta for Type A aortic dissection. After 6 years, she suddenly developed severe hemolytic anemia, and a second operation for replacement of the ascending aorta was performed. Her hemolysis was thought to occur as follows: the proximal ascending aorta of the graft might have gradually expanded until it compressed the graft. The severe hemolysis was thought to be attributable to disturbance of blood flow by a jet of blood at the site of constriction or the reversed inner felt. Such a case as this is very unusual in that the second operation for hemolytic anemia occurred 6 years after the first surgery.     

非体外循环下全主动脉弓替换术治疗主动脉弓降部动脉瘤的早、中期结果

目的 评价采用常温、非体外循环下全主动脉弓替换手术治疗主动脉弓、降部动脉瘤的术后早、中期结果.方法 2004年4月至11月,对连续7例主动脉弓降部动脉瘤病人实施常温、非体外循环下全主动脉弓替换手术.术后对所有病人进行长期随访,随访截止日期为2011年3月.7例均为男性,年龄23～75岁,中位年龄57岁.真性动脉瘤3例,假性动脉瘤4例,其中1例为弓降部巨大假性动脉瘤覆膜支架置入术失败者.采用胸部正中与左胸前外侧联合切口,全身肝素化后,依次在升主动脉前外侧壁安放主动脉侧壁钳,降主动脉与头臂动脉分别放置主动脉阻断钳,将带四分支人工血管依次与升主动脉行端-侧吻合、与降主动脉及3支头臂动脉行端-端吻合,最后闭合升主动脉残端,切除弓降部主动脉瘤壁.结果 平均胸降主动脉阻断(13.6±5.6)min,左颈总动脉阻断(5.7±0.8)min,无名动脉阻断(7.8±2.5)min,左锁骨下动脉阻断(11.2±1.5)min.术后使用呼吸机平均(12.3±4.1)h.病人全部生存.与同期常温体外循环下主动脉弓替换手术组相比,本组机械通气时间显著减少.无神经系统并发症.术后CT扫描结果显示,主动脉弓降部人工血管形态佳,吻合口周围无渗漏或假性动脉瘤形成.全组平均随访(79.7±2.1)个月,病人生活质量良好,复查CT结果均未见异常.无远期死亡.结论 在常温、非体外循环状态下实施全主动脉弓替换手术,是一种治疗主动脉弓、降部真性或假性动脉瘤的安全、有效的方法,严格把握手术适应证是手术成功的关键.

Abstract：

Objective Study the early and midterm results of a technique-total aortic arch replacement without using extracorporeal circulation or aortic bypass for the treatment of aortic aneurismal disease involving the transverse aortic arch and proximal descending aorta. Methods Between April and November 2004, 7 consecutive patients with true (n = 3) or false (n =4) aortic aneurysm underwent this procedure. The mean follow-up was 6. 6 years. The median age at operation was 57years ( range 23 to 75 years). Normothermia general anesthesia and median sternotomy combined with left anterior thoracotomy were administered. A partially occluding clamp was placed on ascending aorta and a longitude aortic incision was made. Anastomosis of a branched graft to ascending aorta in an end-to-side fashion was commenced. The descending aorta distal to the aneurysm was occluded and transected, and anastomosed to the distal end of the branched graft in an end-to-end fashion. Finally,the arch vessels were divided and anastomosed to the branches of the graft and the aneurysm excised. Results The average cross-clamp time of descending aorta, left common carotid artery, and innominate artery was (13.6 ±5.6)min, (5.7 ±0.8)min, and (7.8±2.5) min respectively. The mean intubation time was (12.3 ±4.1) hours. There were no adverse outcomes or neurologic complications in this series. All patients survived and recovered completely. The mean follow-up time was (79.7 ±2.1) months. All patients lead a normal life. There was no late death. CT follow-up study 6 years after surgery reveals no abnormal image. Conclusion Total aortic arch replacement without cardiopulmonary and aortic bypass is a feasible and effective method for the aortic aneurismal disease involving the transverse aortic arch and proximal descending aorta in selected patients.     

微创外科治疗升、降主动脉和弓部疾病的探讨

目的:探讨大动脉疾病的微创治疗。方法:以腔内移植物或开窗法治疗全主动脉夹层动脉瘤3例、主动脉弓部动脉瘤、主动脉减速伤和弓降部动脉瘤各1例。结果:治疗均获成功。随访12～30个月,无一例发生远期内漏、移植物移位和其他它并发症。结论:微创法为高风险的大动脉病提供了良好的前景。     

国人升主动脉及主动脉弓的CT解剖研究

目的 通过CT血管造影(computed tomographic arteriography,CTA)方式回顾性研究中国人群升主及弓部血管的直径、长度特点;方法选择2006年9月至2007年9月接受胸主动脉CT血管造影的患者388例,使用GE公司AW4.2工作站测量升主、弓部、弓上分支的直径及长度数据,运用统计学软件进行分析.结果 冠脉开口以上至左锁骨下动脉以远的主动脉直径D1-D6分别为(34±5)mm;(34±5)mm;(33±4)mm;(30±4)mm;(28±3)mm;(26±3)mm.头臂干两处直径d1,d2分别为(13±2)mm;(13±2)mm.左颈总动脉两处直径d3,d4分别为(8.7±1.5)mm;(7.9±1.0)mm.左锁骨下动脉两处直径d5,d6分别为(10.7±1.7)mm;(9.3±1.3)mm.冠脉开口处至头臂干动脉开口近端的主动脉管腔长度L1为(5.4±1.2)cm;头臂干开口近端与左颈总动脉开口近端之间的主动脉管腔距离L2为(1.3±0.4)cm;头臂干起始处至右锁骨下动脉开口处长度11为(4.0±0.8)cm;左锁骨下动脉起始处至椎动脉开口处管腔长度I2为(3.8±0.8)cm;头臂干与左颈总动脉管壁之间距离I3为(0.39±0.23)cm;左颈总与左锁骨下动脉之间管肇距离I4为(0.7±0.5)cm.结论 得到中国人群升主及弓部血管直径和长度的数据,可为腔内修复升主动脉及主动脉弓的各类研究提供数据支持.     

Axillary artery cannulation: routine use in ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement

Background

Ideal perfusion during ascending aorta-arch surgery should allow easy implementation of antegrade cerebral perfusion while avoiding atheroembolization or false lumen perfusion in dissections. We report favorable experience with direct axillary artery cannulation.

Methods

Between 1999 and 2003, 284 patients with a mean age of 62.2 years (25 to 85), underwent axillary artery cannulation using a right angle wire-reinforced catheter. During this interval, attempted axillary cannulation was abandoned in only 14 patients because of inadequate backflow or other complications. Eighty-five patients were female. Severe aortic arteriosclerosis or degeneration was present in 209, aortic dissection in 63, and Marfan disease or aortitis in 12. The Bentall procedure was done in 144 patients, arch replacement in 86, the Yacoub procedure in 18, thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair in 16, and coronary artery bypass grafting in 20. Reoperations were at 30.2%.

Results

Adverse outcome (hospital death or permanent stroke) occurred in 6.6% (n = 19). Thirteen patients (4.6%) died before hospital discharge, and 13 patients (4.6%; 9 of whom died) suffered permanent stroke. Transient neurologic dysfunction occurred in 9.2% (n = 26). Mean duration of hypothermic circulatory arrest, used in 246 patients, was 26 ±7 minutes. Mean duration of antegrade cerebral perfusion, used in 139 patients, was 47 ± 23 minutes. In 93%, the right axillary artery was cannulated. Complications included 2 cases (0.7%) of brachial plexus injury (one transient), and 3 (1%) of localized dissection.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that axillary artery cannulation, successful in 95% of patients, may be the optimal technique for reducing perfusion-related morbidity and adverse outcome in operations for acute dissection, atherosclerotic, and degenerative aneurysmal disease. It deserves serious consideration in all patients older than 65 requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Less invasive quick replacement of the proximal arch with aggressive rapid rewarming for type A acute aortic dissection

We describe a newly modified technique, which we term “less invasive quick replacement” (LIQR) for type A acute aortic dissection (AAD). After cooling to a rectal temperature of 28°C without any cerebral perfusion, circulating blood in the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit was warmed up to 40°C during open distal anastomosis. As soon as the distal anastomosis was completed, rapid rewarming was initiated by perfusing blood at 40°C. The average CPB and total operative times were 71.8 ± 9.6 and 130.6 ± 7.7 min, respectively. The shortest operative time was 101 min from skin incision to skin closure. All patients were weaned off the ventilator within 12 h of surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was 9.3 ± 1.2 days. There was no incidence of cerebral damage or hospital mortality. Our initial results showed LIQR to be safe and effective.     

升主动脉-颈动脉旁路联合腔内修复术治疗主动脉弓部病变

目的 总结升主动脉-颈动脉旁路联合腔内修复术治疗主动脉弓部病变的经验与体会.方法 回顾性分析2002年1月至2013年6月在中山大学附属第一医院血管外科接受升主动脉-颈动脉旁路联合腔内修复术治疗的10例主动脉弓部病变高危患者的临床资料.其中男性9例,女性1例,年龄34 ～71岁,平均年龄(54±14)岁.原发病包括主动脉夹层8例,胸主动脉瘤2例.行正中开胸行升主动脉-无名动脉-左颈总动脉旁路7例,升主动脉-左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉旁路3例,同期(5例)或二期[5例,平均间隔(7±4)d]经股动脉植入覆膜支架修复主动脉弓病变.结果 全部手术取得技术成功.术后30 d死亡3例,1例死于脑干梗死,1例死于循环衰竭,1例死于主动脉气管瘘.术后发生Ⅱ型内漏1例.随访1 ～ 132个月,中位随访时间24个月(四分位数间距14个月),术后1个月、3个月、1年及其后每年复查CT,随访期间7例患者均健康存活、人工血管旁路通畅,除1例Ⅱ型内漏继续存在外,其余支架均无移位和内漏.结论 升主动脉-颈动脉旁路联合腔内修复术可用于治疗一般情况差、难以耐受主动脉置换的主动脉弓部疾病高危患者.     

Percutaneous valved stent implantation in the ascending aorta for the treatment of very high-risk aortic regurgitation: an animal study

Purpose

We investigated the effects of percutaneous valved stent implantation in the ascending aorta as an alternative treatment for aortic regurgitation in a canine model.

Materials and methods

A total of 16 healthy dogs weighing an average of 18.3 ± 2.1 kg were used for the establishment of animal models of chronic aortic regurgitation by percutaneous aortic valve perforation and balloon dilation. At 2 mo after successful model establishment, all experimental animals underwent valved stent implantation in the ascending aorta and then were followed up for 3 mo.

Results

Experimental models of chronic aortic regurgitation were successfully established in 10 dogs. Surviving dogs underwent successful valved stent implantation in the ascending aorta and were subsequently followed up for 3 mo. The level of instantaneous aortic regurgitation at 3-mo follow-up was significantly reduced compared with that before valved stent implantation (2.4 ± 0.9 versus 10.6 ± 2.1 mL/s, P < 0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly increased (53.8 ± 4.2% versus 37.8 ± 3.7%, P < 0.05), and the left ventricular end-diastolic volume was also significantly reduced (30.3 ± 2.2 versus 40.1 ± 3.6 mL, P < 0.05). No paravalvular leak, stroke, atrioventricular block, or other complications occurred in dogs undergoing valved stent implantation.

Conclusions

Percutaneous valved stent implantation in the ascending aorta is feasible, effective, and safe as an alternative treatment for very high-risk aortic regurgitation in a canine model.     

主动脉弓部手术中顺行脑灌注的流量管理对患者中枢神经系统并发症的影响

目的 探讨A型急性主动脉夹层弓部手术中顺行脑灌注的不同流量管理方法对患者术后中枢神经系统并发症的影响.方法 对我科2007年3月至2011年11月189例A型急性主动脉夹层患者弓部手术的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据顺行性脑灌注流量的不同管理方法分为A、B两组.A组96例采用单泵双管进行下半身和脑部同时灌注,灌注流量自然分配;B组93例在连接脑灌注的动脉供血管上加装一个离心泵电磁流量传感器探头,精确监控脑灌注的流量(10 ml· kg-1·min-1).比较两组患者术后中枢神经系统并发症发生率.结果 两组体外循环时间、升主动脉阻断时间及停循环时间的组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).A组术后中枢神经系统并发症发生率5.2％,B组1.1％,B组明显低于A组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 主动脉弓部手术行顺行性脑灌注时,精确控制其流量能有效降低术后中枢神经系统并发症.     

Replacement of ascending aorta with aortic valve reimplantation: midterm results

Objective: Aneurysms of the aortic root lead to aortic valve incompetence due to dilatation of the sinotubular junction and annuloaortic ectasia. Reimplantation of the native, structurally intact aortic valve within a Dacron tube graft corrects annular ectasia as well as dilatation of sinotubular junction and aortic sinuses. Durability of this valve repair with respect to increased mechanical stress on valve cusps is discussed controversially and is yet unknown. Methods: Since 7/93, replacement of the ascending aorta with repair of the aortic valve was performed in 48 patients (34 male, 14 female; 47±20 years) with aortic insufficiency and aneurysm of the aortic root. Fifteen patients (31%) had Marfan's syndrome and five patients (10%) had an aortic dissection type A (two acute, three chronic). In 11 patients (23%), concomitant replacement of the aortic arch was necessary utilizing elephant trunk technique in two patients. Additionally, one patient required mitral valve repair and two other patients coronary artery bypass grafts. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was performed in 6–12 month intervals for a cumulative study period of 100 patient years. Results: There were no operative deaths. Two patients (4%) died 5 and 20 months postoperatively. One additional patient experienced a TIA within the first postoperative week. Three patients (6%) with an early postoperative aortic insufficiency (AI)>1 required aortic valve replacement after 9, 11, and 14 months due to progressive AI. In these patients, distortion of the aortic root geometry led to valve incompetence. All other patients have no or mild aortic insufficiency. The repair now remains stable for up to 63 months (mean 25±18 months). Other valve related complications did not occur. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that this type of aortic valve repair achieves excellent results in selected patients. Perfect coaptation of valve cusps during the repair with no or only trace AI at initial echocardiography seems to be essential for durability.     

Anesthetic management of apicoaortic bypass in patients with severe aortic stenosis

Apicoaortic bypass (AAB), or apicoaortic conduit insertion, is a conventional surgical method that has been regaining attention due to the aging population and the increasing number of repeat surgeries. The indication for the procedure has been extended as an alternative for aortic stenosis when the usual sternotomy or aortic clamping is considered to be difficult, e.g., in patients with severe calcification of the ascending aorta (porcelain aorta), or in patients with a patent coronary artery bypass graft located adjacent to the posterior surface of the sternum. Herein, we report our recent anesthetic management of three patients undergoing AAB. Once the apicoaortic conduit is inserted, blood from the left ventricle is ejected via two routes, the narrowed native aortic valve and the apicoaortic conduit. Thus, it is necessary to elucidate any change in blood flow after the withdrawal of the extracorporeal circulation, by using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Furthermore, if a rigid apical connector is not used, anastomosis of the cardiac apex and conduit is conducted under ventricular fibrillation without the infusion of cardioplegic solution; thus, patients are deemed likely to suffer increased myocardial damage. As a rigid apical connector was not used in the three present patients, the administraction of adequate catecholamines was needed for the withdrawal of the extracorporeal circulation. In addition, because those undergoing AAB often have extremely poor cardiac reserve preoperatively owing to the administration of adequate catecholamines was needed for the withdrawal of the extracorporeal circulation. In the three present patients, anesthetic management was successful, and there were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications.