Anesthetic management for distal aortic arch aneurysm stent grafting

A 76-year-old woman with thoracic aortic aneurysm involving distal aortic arch was scheduled for graft replacement from ascending to proximal aortic arch with endovascular stent graft to descending aorta. Surgical procedures were performed under median sternotomy with hypothermic systemic circulation arrest and selective cerebral perfusion. The stent graft composed of 30 mm Gianturco Z stent and 27.5 mm woven Dacron graft was introduced into the descending aorta under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. Ascending and proximal aortic arch replacement was then performed with four branched woven Dacron graft. The aortic pathology was confirmed by TEE and the extent of the aneurysmal lesion was defined. TEE was also useful to find the dislodgement of the stent graft after deployment. This surgical technique, being less invasive than conventional thoracotomy, would be indicated for elderly patients with distal aortic arch aneurysm. TEE is the vital imaging technique for placement of the stent graft, as well as for intraoperative cardiac monitoring.     

A case of the ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement with thrombo-occlusion of distal arch and descending aorta suround the modified elephant trunk graft

We report a 65-year-old female who had a extensive thoracic aneurysm from ascending aorta to descending thoracic aorta. The patient underwent a graft replacement of ascending aorta and aortic arch using modified elephant trunk method. The surgery was carried out through median sternotomy with profound hypothermia and selective cerebral perfusion. Postoperatively, the patient was recovered without any complications except bronchial asthma. Postoperative chest computed tomography showed that the surrounding space of the elephant trunk vascular graft inserted into distal arch and descending aneurysm was mostly occupied with thrombus. Therefore, we considered that the second operation on the descending aorta is not necessary at this point and careful attention to the size and shape of the descending aneurysm should be paid.     

Aortobronchial fistula after replacement of descending thoracic aorta with ringed graft; report of a case

A 79-year-old male patient complicated with aortobronchial fistula after replacement of descending thoracic aorta with ringed graft. He underwent replacement of the aortic arch using a four branched vascular graft and open stent grafting to replace the descending thoracic aorta after removing the ringed-graft through median sternotomy. This procedure is useful for patients as the left thoracotomy is risky and the distal anastomotic site of the descending thoracic aorta is too far to anastomose.     

The frozen elephant trunk: an interesting hybrid endovascular-surgical technique to treat complex pathologies of the thoracic aorta

The treatment of complex aortic pathologies involving the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending aorta remains a challenging issue in aortic surgery. The frozen elephant trunk procedure effectively combines surgical and interventional technologies in the treatment of extensive aortic aneurysms and dissections. We present two patients with complex aortic lesions involving all three segments of the thoracic aorta. The device used in our series is the new E-vita open hybrid prosthesis consisting of a proximal woven polyester tube and a distal self-expandable nitinol stent graft, which can be delivered antegrade into the descending aorta.     

Total aortic arch replacement through a median approach]

Seven patients underwent total aortic arch replacement only through a median approach since March 1990, in our institute. The woven Dacron graft with three side arm branches were used. After the proximal anastomosis at the ascending aorta, open distal anastomosis at the descending aorta was performed in five cases, under circulatory arrest of the lower body using separate perfusion to the brain. In two cases with true aneurysms involving the aortic arch, occlusion balloon catheters were employed for distal anastomosis. The anastomosis of the arch vessels was performed after coronary reperfusion. There was no early operative death, and our results demonstrate that total arch replacement can be safely accomplished through a median approach with an acceptably low operative risk.     

Late pseudoaneurysm formation after patch angioplasty of coarctation of the aorta; report of a case

We report a case of a 13-year-old boy presenting with pseudoaneurysm associated with a knitted Dacron patch used to repair a coarctation of the aorta. At the age of 3 months, he had undergone patch angioplasty for a coarctation of the aorta, which develops following patent ductus arteriosus division at 2 months of age. He was treated by distal aortic arch replacement using 16 mm woven Dacron tube graft in an end-to-end fashion with open proximal anastomosis under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The aneurysm was in the aortic wall opposite the patch graft. There was no evidence of infection or dilatation of the patch graft. This case illustrates that repair of aortic coarctations with Dacron patches cannot be recommended.     

Surgical repair of distal aortic arch aneurysm using "elephant trunk" technique]

We present a surgical case of 61-year-old man with distal aortic arch aneurysm. Under selective cerebral perfusion in deep hypothermia, we approached to the aneurysm through median sternotomy. Dilated distal aortic arch and proximal descending aorta with mural thrombus in the aneurysmal lumen were found. The aortic occlusion balloon catheter was inserted into the descending aorta. A Cooley woven Dacron graft (26 mm in diameter) was anastomosed at 5 cm above its distal end loosely to the descending aorta with five interrupted mattress sutures, and the distal portion of the graft was pushed down into the distal aorta ("elephant trunk" technique). Postoperative course was uneventful and the dead space around the graft in aneurysm was filled with thrombus. Six months later, however, emergent operation was performed because of compression of the bronchus and the esophagus by enlargement of the aneurysm due to leakage. The second operation was approached through 5th left intercostal thoracotomy and median sternotomy. The aneurysm was opened, and the thrombus was amounted to 500 g. The distal end of the graft was anastomosed end-to-end to the mid-portion of the descending thoracic aorta. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged. It is concluded that Elephant trunk technique is effective and the postoperative control of hypertension is very important.     

One advice to the decision of graft size for ascending and total arch graft replacement (in a case of differential diameters in ascending aorta and descending aorta)

We carried out the surgery of thoracic aortic aneurysm in fifty-eight patients from June 1994 to February 1999 (including aortic dissection in twenty-six patients). The mean size of grafts were 28.1 mm in ascending graft replacement, 25.8 mm in both ascending and arch graft replacement and 23.8 mm in descending graft replacement. The grafts for ascending aortic aneurysm were significantly larger than those for descending aortic aneurysm. In two of twenty-six patients undergoing both ascending and arch graft replacement, different size of grafts were used for ascending replacement and for arch replacement with satisfactory results in terms of bleeding from the anastomotic sites. Case 1; A 45-year-female with aortitis syndrome and aortic regurgitation due to annuloaorticectasia and thoracic aortic aneurysm underwent simultaneous aortic root replacement with composite graft (25 mm St. Jude Medical valve and 28 mm Hemashield graft) and total arch replacement (30 mm Hemashield graft with two side branches). Case 2; A 64-year-female was diagnosed as chronic type II dissecting aneurysm combined with acute type I aortic dissection. Ascending aorta was replaced with a 26 mm Hemashield graft, and the aortic arch was replaced with a 24 mm Hemashield graft with three side branches.     

Arch translocation method for an arch aneurysm with open stent grafting using a nephrostomy catheter

An 81-year-old female found to have an aneurysm in the distal aortic arch was successfully treated with arch translocation method. Under selective cerebral perfusion, a stent graft bound to a nephrostomy balloon catheter with a chainstitch was inserted from the ascending aorta into the descending aorta and its proximal end was sutured together with the distal aortic stump. Then a 4-branched Dacron graft replaced the ascending aorta reconstructing cephalobracheal branches individually. Each proximal end of cephalobracheal branches was ligated. The patient had no neurological deficit except for recurrence nerve palsy that had already existed before the operation. Postoperative angiography revealed complete thrombocclusion of the aneurysm.     

Surgical treatment of aortic arch aneurysm associated with the aberrant right subclavian artery

A 64-year-old man, who had an aneurysm of aortic arch associated with the aberrant right subclavian artery, was treated successfully. He was pointed out to have an aneurysm of aortic arch three years ago. Three years later angiograms and computed tomography revealed that it became larger compared with the initial finding. He underwent a replacement of the aortic arch using a woven Dacron graft under open distal method. Aberrant subclavian artery was not involved in the aneurysm. But because the left subclavian artery was involved in it, a woven Dacron graft was interposed between the ascending aorta and left subclavian artery. Postoperative course was uneventful and there were no complications.     

Circumferential rupture of the ascending aorta in a fusiform aneurysm.

A case of complete circumferential rupture of the ascending aorta with massive hemorrhage into the pericardial space and around the aortic arch is described. Computed tomography was used to establish the diagnosis. Rupture occurred distal to the origin of the coronary arteries without impairment of aortic valve function, and therefore a preclotted woven Dacron graft was inserted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of complete rupture of the ascending aorta in a fusiform aneurysm and the first report of its successful surgical treatment.     

Single-stage transmedial approach to a stanford type B dissection in a patient with Marfan''s syndrome

We report the case of a patient with Marfan's syndrome and a Stanford type B chronic aortic dissection in which replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aorta was accomplished in a single stage via median sternotomy. The patient was a 51-year-old woman with a 70 mm Stanford type B chronic aortic dissection and Marfan's syndrome. Median sternotomy and replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta were performed under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Postoperatively, the patient developed paraplegia. However, after immediate placement of an intrathecal catheter and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid for 72 hours, the neurologic deficit fully resolved. Despite concerns related to the complexity of the procedure and neurological protection during the procedure, we believe that single-stage replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta is possible and is one of several surgical choices for patients such as ours.     

Reoperation for diffuse supravalvular aortic stenosis with Williams syndrome —Extended patch aortoplasty and extra-anatomic bypass from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta in a median sternotomy—

A case of diffuse supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) with Williams syndrome is reported. In this case of severe diffuse SVAS, we performed the diamond-patch aortoplasty in a child. However he has been suffering from residual SVAS. At 9-years old, the myocardial injury was noted by myocardial scintigraphy. Preoperative cardiac catheterization and angiography revealed the hypoplastic ascending aorta and arch with a pressure gradient of 89 mmHg at the distal site from the left subclavian artery. Through only a median stenotomy, an extended patch aortoplasty between the valsalva sinus and distal arch was performed and an extraanatomic bypass from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta was employed using a 10 mm tube graft. We realize this technique is available because this method can relieve the left ventriculus of the pressure load and operate via only median sternotomy.     

Impending rupture of the descending aorta by enlargement of the false lumen after graft replacement with the elephant trunk technique: Report of a case

We report herein a case of an impending rupture of the descending aorta caused by an enlargement of the false lumen after a graft replacement using the elephant trunk technique. The patient was a 51-year-old woman who had received a graft replacement of the ascending aorta for an acute Stanford type A aortic dissection 6 years previously. An enhanced computed tomographic scan and digital subtraction angiography revealed pseudoaneurysms at the proximal and distal anastmotic site, and a residual dissection of the aortic arch. A graft replacement of the ascending aorta to the aortic arch was performed with the distal site using the elephant trunk technique. Five days after the operation, massive bleeding from the drainage tube occurred. A chest enhanced computed tomographic scan suggested an impending rupture of the descending aorta caused by an enlargement of the false lumen. A graft replacement of the descending aorta was carried out. Postoperatively she had no complications, and digital subtraction angiography showed an excellent reconstruction of the thoracic aorta. One month after the second operation, she was discharged from hospital.     

Extraanatomical bypass grafting for a coarctation of the aorta in the adult: report of a case

A 49-year-old man with a successful bypass grafting for coarctation of the aorta is presented. He has been suffering from hypertension since his 30s. Angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the stenosis of distal aortic arch and developed collateral circulation. After left thoracotomy, bypass grafting using a 16 mm woven Dacron graft was placed between the left subclavian artery and the descending aorta. He had a satisfactory postoperative course with no residual pressure gradient. We recommend this procedure to be a safe and minimally invasive technique that can avoid injury to the collateral.     

Total arch replacement following partial replacement of the descending aorta for acute type A aortic dissection: report of a case

A 42-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to severe back pain. A computed tomographic scan revealed aortic dissection from the ascending aorta to the left common iliac artery. His blood pressure was well controlled untill he went into shock 21 hours after the onset. He was given a diagnosis of aortic rupture to the left pleural cavity by echocardiography and chest X-ray. He underwent emergent left thoracotomy under femoro-femoral bypass. We found a rupture of the descending aorta 3 cm above the diaphragma and replaced the ruptured segment with a woven Dacron graft. On postoperative day 9, we performed total arch replacement utilizing deep hypothermia and selective cerebral perfusion. We located the entrance tear in the aortic arch. His postoperative course was uneventful and he showed no neurological deficit. He was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 36.     

Intra-graft balloon pumping--a clinical case report]

A 29-year-old female underwent tube graft replacement of distal aortic arch and descending aorta for dissecting aneurysm. After 42 minutes of aortic cross-clamping the patient was initially weaned satisfactorily from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest necessitated reestablishment of CPB. Electro-cardiography showed inferior myocardial infarction. To wean CPB intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) was mandatory. But because of dissecting aortic aneurysm IABP in conventional method was contra-indicated. Intra graft balloon pumping (IGBP) was initiated while the patient was on full CPB. A low-porosity woven Dacron tube graft (22 mm) was anastomosed end-to-side to ascending aorta. A balloon was inserted into the tube graft to establish IGBP. This IGBP provided effective circulatory assist. The patient was weaned from CPB 1 hours after reestablishment of IGBP. Postoperative course was stable. The patient was returned to the operating room for removal of the balloon 3 days postoperatively. We reported the case for whom IGBP was effective. IGBP was effective circulatory support for the patient when conventional use of IABP was contra-indicated.     

Acute intraoperative aortic dissection following axillary artery cannulation

We describe a 75-year-old woman who underwent right axillary artery cannulation in preparation for reconstruction of the aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta for athesosclerotic aortic aneurysm via a 'clamshell' incision. As soon as cardiopulmonary bypass was established, the ascending aorta and the aortic arch was dissected. The innominate artery was dissected including one-third of its circumferance anteriorly. Arterial perfusion was stopped immediately and the left femoral artery was cannulated to resume CPB. We proceeded with replacement of the ascending aorta, the aortic arch and the proximal descending thoracic aorta with a Dacron branched aortic graft. The patient recovered uneventfully. Arterial blood pressure was equal bilaterally.     

Open stent implantation for ascending aorta aneurysm with severe calcification

A 77-year-old woman had an ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic regurgitation due to aortitis syndrome. Computed tomography showed that ascending aorta was 55 mm in diameter and had severe calcification between the ascending aorta and distal aortic arch involves neck vessels. We performed open stent implantation and aortic valve replacement with bioprostheses valve. No adverse event occurred after the operation and the patient was discharged on the 28th postoperative day. The open stent implantation was useful for the treatment of the aneurysm in high risk patients.     

Single-stage transmedial approach to a stanford type B dissection in a patient with Marfan's syndrome

We report the case of a patient with Marfan's syndrome and a Stanford type B chronic aortic dissection in which replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aorta was accomplished in a single stage via median sternotomy. The patient was a 51-year-old woman with a 70 mm Stanford type B chronic aortic dissection and Marfan's syndrome. Median sternotomy and replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta were performed under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Postoperatively, the patient developed paraplegia. However, after immediate placement of an intrathecal catheter and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid for 72 hours, the neurologic deficit fully resolved. Despite concerns related to the complexity of the procedure and neurological protection during the procedure, we believe that single-stage replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta is possible and is one of several surgical choices for patients such as ours.