Debranching Solutions in Endografting for Complex Thoracic Aortic Dissections

Background

Conventional surgical repair of thoracic aortic dissections is a challenge due to mortality and morbidity risks.

Objectives

We analyzed our experience in hybrid aortic arch repair for complex dissections of the aortic arch.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2013, 18 patients (the mean age of 67 ± 8 years-old) underwent hybrid aortic arch repair. The procedural strategy was determined on the individual patient.

Results

Thirteen patients had type I repair using trifurcation and another patient with bifurcation graft. Two patients had type II repair with replacement of the ascending aorta. Two patients received extra-anatomic bypass grafting to left carotid artery allowing covering of zone 1. Stent graft deployment rate was 100%. No patients experienced stroke. One patient with total debranching of the aortic arch following an acute dissection of the proximal arch expired 3 months after TEVAR due to heart failure. There were no early to midterm endoleaks. The median follow-up was 20 ± 8 months with patency rate of 100%.

Conclusion

Various debranching solutions for different complex scenarios of the aortic arch serve as less invasive procedures than conventional open surgery enabling safe and effective treatment of this highly selected subgroup of patients with complex aortic pathologies.     

A hybrid therapy as a third approach for type 1 proximal endoleak of thoracic endovascular aortic replacement: Caroticocarotid bypass and re-redo endovascular therapy

IntroductionIn selected cases with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), thoracic endovascular aortic replacement (TEVAR) is commonly used and shall be proper therapy method. We are presenting a case of TAA previously treated twice by endovascular aortic approaches and complicated by type 1 endoleak.CaseA 67-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with back pain at rest. He underwent TEVAR five years ago, twice in 6 month. With contrasted computed tomography of chest and abdomen, a new type 1 proximal endoleak was diagnosed, and after routine preoperative follow up, the patient was operated on. At the same session right to left caroticocarotid bypass and re-redo TEVAR were performed. The new endovascular graft was placed as the proximal landing zone to be set between left carotid artery and brachiocephalic truncus. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 without any problems.ConclusionAs new techniques and methods have been developed, mortality rates have decreased to 2–3% but in older and high risk patients, mortality rates still remain high [1]. TEVAR is a safe and effective treatment method in the proper and selected patients with thoracic artery aneurysm [2]. Moreover, TEVAR can also be performed as a part of hybrid procedures for arcus aortic aneurysms [3]. But it should be kept in mind that late secondary intervention rates are higher in TEVAR.     

Short term outcome of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with thoracic aortic diseases

Aim and background

Open surgical repair for thoracic aortic diseases is associated with a high perioperative mortality and morbidity. Most of type B aortic dissections are uncomplicated and are medically treated which carries a high mortality rate. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is the first-line therapy for isolated aneurysms of the descending aorta and complicated type B aortic dissection. The aim of this study is to test the safety of early thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection and patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Risk factors for distal stent graft-induced new entry following endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection

Background

Distal stent graft-induced new entry (DSINE) has been increasingly observed following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). We seek to identify the risk factors for DSINE following TEVAR in patients with TBAD.

Methods

Between January 2009 and January 2013, we performed TEVAR for 579 patients with TBAD. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the risk factors for DSINE.

Results

Two patients (0.3%) died after the initial TEVAR. Morbidity included spinal cord injury in 2 (0.3%), stroke in 3 (0.5%) and endoleak in 12 (2.1%) patients. Clinical and radiological follow-up was complete in 100% (577/577) averaging 47±16 months. Late death occurred in 6 patients. DSINE occurred in 39 patients (6.7%) at mean 22±17 months after the initial TEVAR, which was managed with re-TEVAR in 25 and medically in 14. At 33±18 months after DSINE, 11 of patients managed medically (11/14) and all patients managed with re-TEVAR (25/25) survived (P=0.048). Freedom from DSINE was 92.7% at 5 years (95% CI: 90.0-94.7%). Using tapered stent grafts with a proximal end 4-8 mm larger than the distal end, TEVAR performed in the acute phase (≤14 days from onset) was associated with a significantly lower incidence of DSINE than TEVAR performed in the chronic phase (4.3%, 7/185 vs. 13.9%, 15/108; P=0.003). Risk factors for DSINE were stent grafts less than 145 mm in length [odds ratio (OR) 2.268; 95% CI: 1.121-4.587; P=0.023] and TEVAR performed in the chronic phase (OR 1.935; 95% CI: 1.004-3.731; P=0.049).

Conclusions

Our results show that TEVAR performed during the acute phase and using stent grafts longer than 145 mm could decrease the incidence of DSINE in patients with TBAD. Tapered stent grafts with a proximal end 4-8 mm larger than the distal end may be helpful in preventing DSINE after TEVAR performed in the acute phase than TEVAR performed in the chronic phase, due to the difference in mobility of the dissected flap. Expedite repeat TEVAR is recommended to improve the clinical prognosis for patients with DSINE.     

Relationship between acute kidney injury before thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair and in-hospital outcomes in patients with type B acute aortic dissection

Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently occurs after catheter-based interventional procedures and increases mortality. However, the implications of AKI before thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) of type B acute aortic dissection (AAD) remain unclear. This study evaluated the incidence, predictors, and in-hospital outcomes of AKI before TEVAR in patients with type B AAD. Methods Between 2009 and 2013, 76 patients were retrospectively evaluated who received TEVAR for type B AAD within 36 h from symptom onset. The patients were classified into no-AKI vs. AKI groups, and the severity of AKI was further staged according to kidney disease: improving global outcomes criteria before TEVAR. Results The incidence of preoperative AKI was 36.8%. In-hospital complications was significantly higher in patients with preoperative AKI compared with no-AKI (50.0% vs. 4.2%, respectively; P < 0.001), including acute renal failure (21.4% vs. 0, respectively; P < 0.001), and they increased with severity of AKI (P < 0.001). The maximum levels of body temperature and white blood cell count were significantly related to maximum serum creatinine level before TEVAR. Multivariate analysis showed that systolic blood pressure on admission (OR: 1.023; 95% CI: 1.003–1.044; P = 0.0238) and bilateral renal artery involvement (OR: 19.076; 95% CI: 1.914–190.164; P = 0.0120) were strong predictors of preoperative AKI. Conclusions Preoperative AKI frequently occurred in patients with type B AAD, and correlated with higher in-hospital complications and enhanced inflammatory reaction. Systolic blood pressure on admission and bilateral renal artery involvement were major risk factors for AKI before TEVAR.     

Aortic dissection after open repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm

INTRODUCTION:

A case of thoracic-abdominal dissection after open surgical exclusion of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm is presented.

CASE PRESENTATION:

A 62-year-old woman was diagnosed with an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a rapid increase in maximal diameter. She underwent surgery for aneurysm exclusion by an end-to-end aortoaortic bypass with Dacron collagen (Intervascular; WL Gore & Associates Inc, USA). After 15 days, she was admitted to the emergency department with intense epigastric and lumbar pain. Computed tomography angiography with contrast revealed an aortic dissection with origin in the proximal bypass anastomosis and cranial extension to the thoracic aorta. The true lumen at the level of the eighth thoracic vertebra was practically collapsed by the false lumen. The celiac trunk, and the mesenteric and renal arteries were perfused by the true lumen. After the acute phase of the aortic dissection, surgical repair was planned. Two paths of false lumen were found – one at the thoracic aorta and the second in the proximal bypass anastomosis. Surgical repair comprised two approaches. First, a Valiant Thoracic stent graft (Medtronic Inc, UK) was implanted distal from the left subclavian artery, expanding the collapsed true lumen and covering the false and dissected lumen. Second, an infrarenal Endurant abdominal stent graft (Medtronic Inc) was implanted. This second device was complemented with an aortic infrarenal extension using a Talent abdominal stent graft (Medtronic Inc) in the infrarenal aortic neck to achieve a hermetic seal. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful, and her symptoms were completely resolved in six months.

CONCLUSION:

Arteritis must be taken into account in young patients with high inflammatory markers. Covered stents and endoprosthetic devices seem to be effective methods to seal the dissected lumen.     

“杂交”手术治疗弓部主动脉夹层的疗效评价

目的:评价人工血管旁路移植术结合腔内隔绝术的“杂交”手术用于主动脉弓部夹层动脉瘤的治疗效果。方法:对12例破口位于主动脉弓部的主动脉夹层动脉瘤患者进行了人工血管旁路移植术+腔内隔绝术的“杂交”手术治疗。评价该方法围手术期死亡率、并发症以及术后桥血管通畅率,进行了6~48(28±11)个月的随访观察。结果:全组1例死亡,原因为等待二期腔内手术期间发生动脉瘤破裂。1例患者因并发医源性升主动脉夹层而改行全主动脉弓置换+支架植入术,随访中1例患者出现90%人工血管狭窄,1例患者出现轻度I型内漏,经18月观察无明显变化,其余患者生存良好,未出现截瘫及其他严重并发症。结论:本文所指的“杂交”手术治疗主动脉弓部夹层动脉瘤具有良好效果。     

Prevalence and risk factors of aortic aneurysm in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) manifest an excess of chronic co-morbidities and present a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease. Aortic aneurysm (AA) also shared the risks of those diseases and its rupture is an important cause of death. However, since AA progresses almost silently, the prevalence of AA in patients with COPD remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine AA prevalence and risk factors in patients with COPD.

Methods

With computed tomography (CT) screening, we tested for AA in 231 COPD patients, and assessed emphysema by Goddard classification and aortic wall calcification in abdominal artery, respectively. We also evaluated that of thoracic artery using our original methods, which we assessed the extent of calcification in the thoracic artery as well as which defined as “aortic calcification index (ACI) in thoracic artery”.

Results

In 231 patients with COPD, 27 (11.7%) had AA determined by CT imaging and another 6 patients with previously diagnosed AA and a history of repaired operation (2.6%). In this total of 33 patients (AA group), the age of 95% confidence interval (CI) was 75.8 to 80.1 years and the prevalence of AA in patients aged 76 to 80 years was 26.8%. A low attenuation area and aortic wall calcification were more severe in the AA group than in the non-AA group, but forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) was not significantly different in those patients. The Goddard score of nine and ACI in the thoracic artery of 25.0% were determined to identify the most appropriate cut-off levels for discriminating between AA and non-AA groups.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicated that sizeable under-recognition of AA seems likely in COPD. Especially for patients with severe lung destruction and aortic calcification verifiable by chest CT, abdominal CT would be beneficial for detecting AA.     

“象鼻”支架术治疗Stanford B型主动脉夹层胸主动脉腔内修复术后Ⅰ型内漏

目的:回顾应用支架"象鼻"术治疗Stanford B型主动脉夹层胸主动脉腔内修复术(TEVAR)术后Ⅰ型内漏的临床效果。方法:2009年3月至2013年1月,首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院,收治的Stanford B型主动脉夹层TEVAR术后Ⅰ型内漏12例患者进行回顾性分析。12例患者均为男性,平均年龄(50.2±6.2)岁,平均身高(171.92±4.98)cm,平均体质量(77.50±8.43)kg,所有患者均无相关家族遗传病史,均有高血压病史,与第一次TEVAR术间隔时间平均34.4个月。支架"象鼻"术均在全麻体外循环下进行。如漏口暴露清楚,可缝闭漏口;如置入支架裸区妨碍象鼻支架缝合,可剪除部分裸露部分金属支架或将置入支架取出;如漏口累及左锁骨下动脉开口,可将左锁骨下动脉近端缝闭,截断左锁骨下动脉,其远端与左颈总动脉行端侧吻合,建立左颈总动脉至左锁骨下动脉转流或8mm人工血管行升主动脉至左腋动脉或左锁骨下动脉转流。于之前置入的支架内置入26~30mm Microport术中支架血管,覆盖内漏破口。术后随访6~48个月,平均6.53个月。结果:12例支架"象鼻"术均为择期手术,其中7例患者漏口位置累及左锁骨下动脉,4例剪除置入支架金属裸区;1例将置入支架取出;3例术中支架血管近端吻合于左锁骨下动脉以远,8例吻合于左颈总动脉与左锁骨下动脉之间;4例同期行左颈总动脉至左锁骨下动脉转流术;2例行升主动脉-左锁骨下动脉转流术;2例行升主动脉-左腋动脉转流术;1例患者因合并二尖瓣关闭不全同期行二尖瓣置换术;1例合并迷走右锁骨下动脉的患者同期行升主动脉-右腋动脉转流术。12例患者手术时间为平均(5.92±1.14)小时,平均住院时间为(21.92±9.14)天,2例患者术后出现围术期并发症,其中1例胸骨哆开,行再次胸骨固定痊愈;1例术前肾功能不全,术后出现急性肾衰竭,经透析治疗后肾功能恢复。本组患者均顺利出院。所有患者术后内漏均消失,术后随访6~48个月,平均6.53个月,均无复发。在术后随访期间,3例患者支架远端病变需再次处理,1例患者术后7个月出现支架感染、咯血、死亡。结论:应用支架"象鼻"术治疗Stanford B型主动脉夹层TEVAR术后Ⅰ型内漏,有较好的临床疗效,但远期效果仍需进一步观察。     

One-stage hybrid procedure for distal aortic arch disease: mid-term experience at a single center

BackgroundThis study analyzes the outcomes of a one-stage hybrid procedure combining thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with extra-anatomic bypass in patients with distal aortic arch disease.MethodsThis retrospective study collected 103 hybrid procedures combining TEVAR with extra-anatomic bypass (mean age, 62.2±9.3 years; 90 males) performed from January 2009 to January 2019 at Beijing Anzhen Hospital. We analyzed 30-day and mid-term outcomes including survival rate and the incidence of stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and endoleak.ResultsFive deaths (4.6%) occurred within 30 days, including type I endoleak in Zone 1 (n=1), hemorrhagic shock (n=1), stroke (n=2), and stent migration (n=1). Two patients developed SCI. The median follow-up time was 39.5 (interquartile range, 13.6-69.0) months. In all, 14 late deaths occurred; these were due to stroke (n=2), severe pneumonia (n=1), aortic rupture caused by type I endoleak (n=3), and sudden death (n=8). Six late endoleaks occurred including three type I and one type II in Zone 1 and two type I in Zone 2. In a competing risks analysis, the incidences of reintervention at 7 years, late death, and survival without reintervention were 8%, 22%, and 70%, respectively. In a Cox risk model, stroke (HR, 21.602; 95% CI: 2.798–166.796; P=0.003) was the only risk factor for 30-day mortality. Stroke (HR, 19.484; 95% CI: 5.245–72.380; P<0.001), SCI (HR, 15.548; 95% CI: 2.754–87.786; P=0.002), and endoleak (HR, 4.626; 95% CI: 1.068–20.040; P=0.041) were independent risk factors for long-term mortality.ConclusionsThe one-stage hybrid procedure provides acceptable mid-term results with good mid-term patency of extra-anatomic bypass. Strict selection of patients suitable for hybrid repair can effectively improve the survival rate and reduce the incidence of complications. At the same time, close follow-up patients should receive close long-term follow-up after hybrid procedure.     

Myocardial Revascularization in Dyalitic Patients: In-Hospital Period Evaluation

Background

Coronary artery bypass grafting currently is the best treatment for dialytic patients with multivessel coronary disease, but hospital morbidity and mortality related to procedure is still high.

Objective

Evaluate results and in-hospital outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting in dialytic patients.

Methods

Retrospective unicentric study including 50 consecutive and not selected dialytic patients, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in a tertiary university hospital from 2007 to 2012.

Results

High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was observed (100% hypertensive, 68% diabetic and 40% dyslipidemic). There was no intra-operative death and 60% of the procedures were performed off-pump. There were seven (14%) in-hospital deaths. Postoperative infection, previous heart failure, cardiopulmonary bypass, abnormal ventricular function and surgical re-exploration were associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion

Coronary artery bypass grafting is feasible to dialytic patients although high in-hospital morbidity and mortality. It is necessary better understanding about metabolic aspects to plan adequate interventions.     

Ejection fraction-velocity ratio for the assessment of aortic bioprosthetic valves in patients with systolic dysfunction

BACKGROUND:

The continuity equation (CE) represents the ‘gold standard’ for the evaluation of aortic valve area in patients with aortic stenosis, but it is time-consuming and subject to error, and can be technically demanding. Recently, a new echocardiographic nonflow corrected index was introduced and demonstrated excellent accuracy in quantifying the effective orifice area (EOA) in native aortic valves and bioprostheses. This new index, the ejection fraction (EF)-velocity ratio (EFVR), is obtained by dividing the percentage left ventricular EF by the maximum aortic gradient.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the usefulness of this echocardiographic index for quantifying the EOA in patients with aortic bioprosthesis and left ventricular dysfunction.

METHODS:

A total of 70 patients (25 women and 45 men) with aortic bioprosthesis and left ventricular dysfunction (EF of 49% or less) were studied. The mean (± SD) age of the study population was 71.4±9 years. The EOA was evaluated, both by the CE and by the EFVR.

RESULTS:

A significant linear correlation between the CE and the EFVR was found (r=0.80; P<0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed good agreement between the CE and the EFVR. An EFVR value of 1.15 or less was found to have a good sensitivity (89%) and good specificity (91%) in identifying patients with an EOA of 1.0 cm² or smaller, with positive and negative predictive values of 79% and 95%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The EFVR, a simple index that is less time-consuming than the CE, allows the identification of patients with aortic bioprosthesis stenosis with excellent sensitivity and specificity. It may be taken into consideration in clinical practice for the evaluation of patients with aortic bioprosthesis stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction.     

Impact of the metabolic syndrome on aortic pulse pressure and ascending aortic pulsatility in patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries

BACKGROUND:

Large artery stiffness is a major determinant of pulse pressure (PP), and PP at baseline has been associated with future coronary events.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the impact of the metabolic syndrome on aortic PP and ascending aortic pulsatility (AP) in patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries.

METHODS:

Forty-two patients with the metabolic syndrome and 40 age-matched control subjects without the metabolic syndrome were included in the study. All subjects had normal coronary arteries. Diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome was based on the International Diabetes Federation guidelines published in 2005. Ascending AP was estimated as the ratio of aortic PP to mean blood pressure.

RESULTS:

Aortic PP (59±12 mmHg versus 43±10 mmHg; P<0.001) and ascending AP (0.54±0.10 versus 0.48±0.10; P<0.001) were significantly higher in the metabolic syndrome group. Multiple regression analysis revealed statistically independent relationships between ascending AP and fasting blood glucose, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (model R²=0.408; P<0.001). The metabolic syndrome, as a whole, was also independently associated with both ascending AP (P<0.01) and aortic PP (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION:

The data showed that the metabolic syndrome is independently associated with increased aortic PP and ascending AP in patients with normal coronary arteries, suggesting aortic stiffness as one of the possible mechanisms underlying the excess cardiovascular risk associated with the metabolic syndrome.     

Robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting improves short-term outcomes compared with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

Robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafts (RACAB) utilizing the da Vinci surgical system are increasingly used and allow the surgeon to conveniently harvest internal mammary arteries (IMAs). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of off-pump RACAB and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) in the short and medium term.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 132 patients with single- or multiple-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent minimally invasive off-pump CABG (OPCAB) between May 2009 and May 2014. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach, MIDCAB and RACAB group. The anastomosis of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was performed as regular OPCAB through the incision on the beating heart using regular stabilization devices (Genzyme Corporation). The preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data, including major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), were compared.

Results

The preoperative data were similar. RACAB significantly shorten the intensive care unit (ICU) stay and postoperative compared with the MIDCAB group (P<0.05). There were 12 (19.7%) patients treated with a two-stage hybrid procedure in the MIDCAB group and 34 (47.9%) patients in the RACAB group (P=0.001). Thirty-day mortality was 1.6% in the MIDCAB group. There were 9 (14.7%) MIDCAB patients and 2 (2.8%) RACAB patients (P=0.013) that developed new arrhythmia. The two groups showed comparable mid-term survival (P=0.246), but the MACCEs were significantly different (P=0.038).

Conclusions

RACAB may be a valuable alternative for patients requiring single or simple multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Although the mid-term mortality outcomes are similar, RACAB improves short-term outcomes and mid-term MACCE-free survival compared with MIDCAB.     

Bivalirudin as an anticoagulant for simultaneous integrated coronary artery revascularization – a novel approach to an inherent concern

BACKGROUND:

Simultaneous integrated coronary artery revascularization combines coronary artery bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention into a single procedure. This approach provides immediate, complete and optimal myocardial revascularization in a less invasive manner. Because simultaneous integrated coronary revascularization necessitates two distinct anticoagulation protocols for the surgical and percutaneous aspects of the procedure, combining these anticoagulation protocols carries a bleeding risk. Using a single anticoagulant to facilitate the necessities of both aspects of the integrated approach may alleviate this risk.

CASE PRESENTATION:

A 45-year-old man with an occluded left anterior descending artery and a moderately stenotic circumflex artery underwent simultaneous integrated coronary revascularization. Bivalirudin was used to achieve anticoagulation for the duration of the procedure. The patient was asymptomatic with excellent patency of both the bypass graft and the stented circumflex artery via angiography at 10 months.

CONCLUSION:

Bivalirudin can be used to effectively achieve a unified anticoagulation protocol for simultaneous integrated revascularization.     

Early and mid-term results of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

Introduction

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG) is a less invasive method of performing surgical revascularization. This technique coupled with use of off pump technique of surgical revascularization makes it truly less invasive. This method is highly effective even in high-risk patients. Results of this procedure are comparable to standard off pump technique and are better than percutaneous coronary intervention utilizing drug-eluting stent. We present an early and mid-term result of the use of this technique.

Method

We enrolled 33 patients for analysis operated between 2008 and 2012. Operation was performed utilizing off-pump technique of coronary artery bypass grafting through a minimal invasive incision. Left internal mammary artery graft was done for single vessel disease and radial artery was utilized for other grafts if required. Median follow up of 2.5 years (6 months–4 years) is available.

Results

Median age was 58.5 years (41–77) and all were male. Single vessel disease was present in 7, double vessel in 14 and triple vessel disease in 12 patients. All the patients had normal left ventricular size and function. There was no operative and 30-day mortality. Conversion to median sternotomy to complete the operation was done in 6.6% (2 out of 33 patients). One patient had acute myocardial infarction and there were no deaths during follow up.

Conclusion

MICABG is a safe and effective method of revascularization in low risk candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting.     

Partial esophagogastrostomy with esophagogastric anastomosis below the aortic arch in cardiac carcinoma: characteristics and treatment of postoperative anastomotic leakage

Background

Anastomotic leakage is a severe and common complication for surgeries of cardiac cancer. Here we explore the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of anastomotic leakage in cardiac carcinoma patients after esophagogastric anastomosis.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2013, 1,196 patients with cardiac carcinoma underwent esophagectomy and esophagogastric anastomosis in Cancer Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Of them, 25 patients developed symptomatic anastomotic leakage. Their clinical data were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Among these 25 patients with anastomotic leakage, three died after active treatment and fifteen healed with thoracic drainage time 18-115 days. The left seven patients who did not heal until discharge developed chronic infection sinus of anastomotic leakage. Without infection symptoms, they were discharged 30-100 days after surgery with nasoenteral tube and thoracic drainage.

Conclusions

Anastomotic leakage in cardiac carcinoma patients after esophagogastric anastomosis can be classified into five subtypes: occult type, left thoracic type, right thoracic type, mediastinal type, and mixd type. Subtyping of anastomotic leakage is useful and convenient for diagnosis and treatment.     

Pulmonary multislice computed tomography findings in acute aortic dissection

Objective

To document the type and incidence of pulmonary multislice computed tomography (CT) findings at presentation in patients with acute aortic dissection.

Materials and methods

Multidetector CT scans of 36 patients with a diagnosis of acute aortic dissection or intramural hematoma were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Pleural effusion, dependent stasis, mosaic attenuation, interlobular septal thickening, thickening of the peribronchovascular interstitium, vascular enlargement, compression atelectasis were common findings. Additionally air trapping, emphysema, consolidation, nodules, bronchiectasis or scarring were also noted.

Conclusions

Various pulmonary imaging findings may accompany acute aortic dissection. These findings and their clinical significance should be further investigated.KEY WORDS : Acute aortic dissection, computed tomography, MDCT, lung     

Endovascular Versus Open Repair of Intact Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Background

For the management of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, recent evidence has suggested that outcomes of open surgical repair may surpass thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in as early as 2 years.

Strategies for the coronary surgeon to remain “competitive and co-operative” in the PCI era

Background

The advent of percutaneous intervention has made surgical treatment of coronary artery disease less favored by patients though the evidence that supports CABG in certain patient subsets is strong.

Methods

Literature review was done using Pubmed, Scopus, Google and Google Scholar with MeSH terms-coronary artery bypass grafting, internal mammary artery, drug eluting stent, stroke, myocardial revascularization.

Results

The adoption of evolving techniques like anaortic off pump grafting, bilateral internal mammary artery use, hybrid and minimally invasive coronary revascularization techniques, intra-operative graft assessment, and heart team approach can lead to better outcomes following surgery as is evidenced by recent literature.

Conclusions

Though the adoptability of the newer strategies may vary between centers a close coalition between coronary surgeons and cardiologists would ensure that the management of coronary artery disease is based on evidence for the benefit of the patient.