Operation on acute type A aortic dissection using transapical aortic cannulation

We experienced a case of operation for acute type A aortic dissection using transapical aortic cannulation (TAC). A 62-year-old male with chest and back pain admitted to our hospital. The chest computed tomography (CT) showed the dissection of total aorta. Hemiarch repair (circulatory arrest time: 64 min, pump time: 152 min) was performed by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) established with bicaval cannulation and TAC in this case. The reason why we use TAC is that retrograde perfusion by femoral artery has a high-risk of malperfusion and cerebral embolism because of atheromatous change in aorta, and the use of the axillary artery can be troublesome because of the vessel's small diameter. We considered that in cases of acute aortic dissection, TAC is much safer and simpler than femoral or axillary cannulation.     

Cannulation of the right axillary artery for surgery of acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal choice of the arterial inflow site during operations for type A aortic dissection is not clearly defined. The aim of the prospective study was to identify whether cannulation of the right axillary artery instead of the femoral artery may improve the results of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients were operated on because of acute type A aortic dissection from January 2000 to February 2002. The only difference in surgical strategy was the site of arterial cannulation: the right axillary artery was used in 20 patients [axillary group] and the left femoral artery in 50 patients [femoral group]. All patients had aortic surgery with open distal anastomosis during deep hypothermic arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion. The mean age was 58.7 +/- 12 years with a range from 28 to 88 years (axillary group, 56.6 +/- 13 years; femoral group, 59.4 +/- 12 years; P = 0.435). Preoperatively evident organ malperfusion was identified in five (25%) patients of the axillary group and in seven (14%) of the femoral group. RESULTS: There was no perioperative death. The hospital mortality rate was 5.0% for the axillary group and 22% for the femoral group (all patients, 17%). Major neurological complications occurred postoperatively in 5% of patients from the axillary group (one out of 20 patients) and in 8% of patients from the femoral group (four out of 50 patients) (all patients, 7%). CONCLUSION: Cannulation of the right axillary artery improved the outcome of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. However, postoperative complications occurred after both axillary and femoral artery cannulation.     

Left axillary artery perfusion in surgery of type A aortic dissection

PURPOSE: A left axillary artery perfusion instead of a femoral perfusion has the benefit of avoiding false lumen perfusion and atheroembolization into the brain, which is caused by retrograde perfusion in type A aortic dissection surgery. We performed type A aortic dissection surgery using the left axillary artery perfusion technique and reviewed this method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2002 to January 2004, 8 patients with a mean age of 70 years (48 to 81), underwent axillary artery cannulation with a side graft technique in type A aortic dissection operations. Six patients had acute type A and 2 had chronic type A dissections. The surgical procedures were ascending aortic replacement in 5, hemiarch replacement in 2, and total arch replacement in 1. RESULTS: In all patients, a cardiopulmonary bypass was established through the left axillary perfusion. There were no operative deaths and no hospital deaths. All patients were able to avoid cerebral vascular accidents. One patient required a femoro-femoro bypass on the 10th postoperative day because of malperfusion of the left leg, which occurred suddenly. Postoperative hemorrhaging requiring resternotomy occurred in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: A left axillary artery perfusion is safe and useful for arterial inflow for type A aortic dissection surgery.     

Axillary artery cannulation in type a aortic dissection operations.

BACKGROUND: Femoral arteries are the preferred site of peripheral cannulation for arterial inflow in type A aortic dissection operations. The presence of aortoiliac aneurysms, severe peripheral occlusive disease, atherosclerosis of the femoral vessels, and distal extension of the aortic dissection may preclude their utilization. Axillary artery cannulation may represent a valid alternative in these circumstances. METHODS: Between January 15, 1989, and August 20, 1998, in our institution, 22 of 152 operations (14.4%) for acute type A aortic dissection were performed with the use of the axillary artery for the arterial inflow. Axillary artery cannulation was undertaken in the presence of femoral arteries bilaterally compromised by dissection in 12 patients (54.5%), abdominal aorta and peripheral aneurysm in 5 patients (22.7%), severe atherosclerosis of both femoral arteries in 3 patients (13. 6%), and aortoiliac occlusive disease in 2 patients (9.1%). In all patients, distal anastomosis was performed with an open technique after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Retrograde cerebral perfusion was used in 9 patients (40.9%). RESULTS: Axillary artery cannulation was successful in all patients. The left axillary artery was cannulated in 20 patients (90.9%), and the right axillary artery was cannulated in 2 patients (9.1%). Axillary artery cannulation followed an attempt of femoral artery cannulation in 15 patients (68. 2%). All patients survived the operation, and no patient had a cerebrovascular accident. No axillary artery thrombosis, no brachial plexus injury, and no intraoperative malperfusion were recorded in this series. Two patients (9.1%) died in the hospital of complications not related to axillary artery cannulation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type A aortic dissection in whom femoral arteries are acutely or chronically diseased, axillary artery cannulation represents a safe and effective means of providing arterial inflow during cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Successful repair of iatrogenic acute aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion

We describe the successful treatment of a patient with iatrogenic acute aortic dissection including cerebral malperfusion as a complication of coronary artery surgery. After beginning cardiopulmonary bypass, a retrograde ascending aortic dissection associated with cerebral malperfusion was recognized. Systemic circulation was immediately arrested at 31 degrees C. After aortotomy, hypothermic selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was established. Replacement of the ascending aorta with coronary artery bypass grafting was performed without neurologic complications.     

Usefulness of the axillary artery as vascular access for cardiopulmonary bypass

AIM: In this paper we report our clinical experience with extended utilization of axillary artery cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and discuss the indications and the results of the procedure in terms of complications and usefulness. METHODS: Between January 1999 and May 2004, 26 patients underwent right axillary artery cannulation for CPB. Fifteen patients presented acute type A aortic dissection and were operated urgently. Axillary cannulation was also used in 11 elective cases: 3 reoperative coronary surgery, 3 valve redo-operations and 5 cases of aortic valve regurgitation+aneurysm of the ascending aorta. RESULTS: All axillary artery cannulations were successful (21 direct and 5 with a side graft) without neurologic or vascular injuries to the right upper extremities. Hospital mortality was 7.7% and included 2 patients operated in an emergency procedure because of acute type A aortic dissection. In all cases, this cannulation site provided adequate perfusion, with a range of peak flows from 4.1 to 5.7 L/min. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results demonstrate that the right axillary artery may be considered an alternative cannulation site for achieving full CPB and providing antegrade flow, thus avoiding complications related to retrograde flow when femoral artery perfusion is performed. This safe and useful method may be used not only in aortic surgery but in other such complex cardiac procedures as redo-operations.     

Ascending aorta cannulation in acute type A aortic dissection

Objective: Antegrade perfusion for type A acute aortic dissection prevents malperfusion and retrograde cerebral embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass. Prompt establishment of antegrade perfusion via ascending aorta may improve the surgical results of type A dissections, especially in the situations of hemodynamic instability. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy of use of the dissected ascending aorta as an alternative arterial inflow. Methods: Between 2002 and 2006, 32 patients underwent prosthetic graft replacement of the ascending aorta or hemiarch for acute type A aortic dissection. The ascending aorta was routinely cannulated, in addition to the femoral artery, with a heparin-coating flexible cannula for arterial inflow, using Seldinger technique, and by epiaortic ultrasonographic guidance (n = 6). Antegrade systemic perfusion via ascending aorta was performed. Results: Ascending aorta cannulation was safely performed in all cases. There was no malperfusion or thromboembolism due to ascending aorta cannulation. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established within 30 min after skin incision. There was one in-hospital death due to duodenal bleeding (1/32 = 3.1%), two cases of cerebral infarction (2/32 = 6.3%), and one case of pulmonary embolism. Twenty-nine patients (29/32 = 90.6%) were discharged in New York Heart Association class I and have been followed up uneventfully for a mean of 17 months. Conclusions: Antegrade perfusion via the ascending aorta was successfully performed with low mortality and morbidity. With ultrasound-guided Seldinger technique, ascending aorta cannulation has a potential to be a simple and safe option that enables rapid establishment of antegrade systemic perfusion in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.     

Cannulation of the Extrathoracic Left Common Carotid Artery for Thoracic Aorta Operations Through Left Posterolateral Thoracotomy

The femoral artery is the usual site of arterial cannulation in thoracic aorta operations through left posterolateral thoracotomy that require cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). The advantage of this perfusion route is in limiting the duration of circulatory arrest. It is associated, however, with the risk of retrograde embolization or, in cases involving aortic dissection, malperfusion of vital organs. To prevent these risks, we have used the extrathoracic left common carotid artery as the perfusion route. From December 1999 to January 2003, we used cannulation of the left extrathoracic common carotid artery in 42 thoracic aorta operations through posterolateral thoracotomy with an open proximal anastomosis technique during DHCA. The indication for thoracic aortic repair was atherosclerotic ulcer in 7 cases, chronic aortic aneurysm in 18, acute type B dissection in 5, and chronic type B dissection in 12. Cannulation of the extrathoracic left common carotid artery was successful in all patients. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no cerebrovascular events in all cases. No cannulation-related complications were observed. One patient died from cardiac insufficiency on postoperative day 5. No peripheral neurological deficits (paraplegia or paraparesis) were observed. Postoperative complications included atrial fibrillation in five patients, reoperation to control hemorrhage in six, respiratory insufficiency in nine, and renal insufficiency in six. These results indicate that cannulation of the left extrathoracic common carotid artery is a useful, reliable method for proximal perfusion during CPB in patients undergoing repair of the descending thoracic aorta through left posterolateral thoracotomy. By providing effective perfusion of the brain, this technique can prolong safe DHCA time. Another advantage is the prevention of cerebral emboli, ensuring retrograde flow to the aortic arch.Presented at the Eighteenth Annual Meeting of the Société de Chirurgie Vasculaire de Langue Française, Toulouse, France, May 21-24, 2003.     

Axillary Artery Perfusion in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

Abstract Background: We evaluated our experience with axillary artery perfusion technique in acute type A aortic dissection repair. Methods: Between September 2000 and July 2006, 41 consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent surgical repair. In 35 of 41 patients (85.4%), arterial perfusion was performed through right axillary artery and in the remaining six patients (14.6%), arterial perfusion site was femoral artery. Indication for femoral artery perfusion was cardiac arrest and ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in one and pulslessness of right upper limb in five patients. Mean age was 54.9 ± 15.3 (16 to 90 years) and 28 were male. Unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (perfusate temperature 22 to 25 °C) through axillary artery was performed in all axillary artery perfused patients and in three patients who had femoral artery perfusion. Results: Five patients died postoperatively (hospital mortality 12.2%). All of them had evidence of single or multiple organ malperfusion preoperatively. We did not experience any new transient or permanent neurologic deficit after the procedure in the unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion patients. Complications related to axillary artery cannulation were observed in two patients (5.3%). One patient with femoral artery cannulation experienced femoral arterial thrombosis, postoperatively. Conclusions: Right axillary artery cannulation for repair of acute type A aortic dissection is a simple and safe procedure. In the case of pulslessness of right upper limb, femoral artery is still the choice of cannulation site.     

Right axillary cannulation in the left thoracotomy for thoracic aortic aneurysm

Perfusion from the femoral artery is commonly used in the open proximal method of performing distal aortic arch aneurysm repair or Stanford type B aortic dissection repair under circulatory arrest through left thoracotomy. However, it is associated with a significant risk of retrograde emboli or malperfusion, and with other problems including a restricted time of circulatory arrest to the brain and difficulties in de-airing from the arch branches and proximal ascending aorta. To overcome these problems, we developed a method of performing right axillary perfusion through left thoracotomy.     

Is the axillary artery a suitable cannulation site in aortic surgery?

AIM: The axillary artery is currently gaining interest as an alternative to femoral artery cannulation in aortic surgery. It was the aim of our study to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of axillary artery cannulation in a series of patients undergoing surgery of the ascending aorta and/or the aortic arch. METHODS: From 1998 to 2002 cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) perfusion via the axillary artery was intended in 35 patients (28 male), median age 61 (22-77) years. The underlying disease was acute aortic dissection type A in 22/35 (63%), chronic aortic dissection type A in 2/35 (6%), ascending aortic aneurysm in 8/35 (22%), aortic regurgitation after previous ascending aortic replacement in 1/35 (3%), pseudoaneurysm after Bentall operation in 1/35 (3%) and coronary artery disease with severe arteriosclerosis of the aorta in 1/35 (3%). RESULTS: Conversion to femoral artery or ascending aortic cannulation was necessary in 3 patients. In the other cases, adequate CPB flows of 2.4 l/m2/min were achieved. In 1 case local dissection of the axillary artery occurred after emergency cannulation. No postoperative complications related to axillary artery cannulation, such as upper extremity ischemia, brachial plexus injury, or local wound infection occurred. No new postoperative stroke was noted, hospital mortality was 4/35 (11%) patients. CONCLUSION: Axillary artery cannulation is feasible in the majority of cases and seems to be a safe and effective method in surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Several disadvantages of femoral artery cannulation and perfusion can be avoided.     

Off-pump complete pericardiectomy for an unusual case of annular constrictive pericarditis

The optimal cannulation site in repair of DeBakey type I aortic dissection is controversial, and malperfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass is facilitated by retrograde flow. We propose the use of a long arterial cannula through the femoral artery to achieve a proximal antegrade perfusion. The tip of the cannula is placed in the true lumen of the distal aortic arch through the common femoral artery (Seldinger technique and transesophageal echography guidance). In 9 patients, there was one case of operative mortality (cardiac death), and no cases of perioperative stroke, bowel ischemia, severe renal failure, or local complications. Proximal perfusion can achieved rapidly and through an easily accessible site.     

Thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair under deep hypothermia using subclavian arterial perfusion

BACKGROUND: Hypothermic circulatory arrest is a valuable adjunct for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Retrograde aortic perfusion through the femoral artery, however, carries a risk of cerebral embolism or malperfusion. To avoid these complications we adopted antegrade aortic perfusion through a prosthetic graft attached to the left subclavian artery through a left thoracotomy. METHODS: Ten patients had repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm under deep hypothermia with antegrade aortic perfusion through the left subclavian artery. Hypothermic circulatory arrest was used because proximal aortic control was hazardous due to rupture or intraluminal disease, or for spinal cord protection. RESULTS: There was no brain injury and one hospital death. The cause of death was massive bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract not related to deep hypothermia or the perfusion method. All 9 survivors were alive and well after a mean follow-up period of 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Using the left subclavian artery as a site of aortic perfusion can avoid retrograde aortic perfusion, hence reducing the potential for brain injury due to embolic stroke or malperfusion through a dissected thoracoabdominal aorta.     

Axillary Artery Cannulation for Cardiopulmonary Bypass during Surgery on the Ascending Aorta and Arch

Abstract   Background: Performing axillary artery cannulation, during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with an atherosclerotic ascending aorta or acute dissection of the ascending aorta and arch, is of growing interest. Our aim is to present our experience, to describe the surgical technique, and to demonstrate the sufficient cerebral and total body perfusion through axillary artery cannulation. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients (17 male, five female) underwent surgical treatment with the axillary technique. The log euro SCORE ranged from 6.77% to 70% (mean 28.28). Nine of these patients underwent elective procedure. Eight underwent aortic surgery for pathologies of the aorta and in one patient we performed combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. Thirteen patients underwent emergency operation because of acute dissection of the aorta. Twelve of these patients had a type A dissection (according to Stanford classification) and one patient had a type B aortic dissection. Results: The majority of complications were associated with ruptured dissection of the thoracoabdominal aorta and acute dissection of ascending aorta. Despite preoperative disease states that placed our patients at high risk of stroke and visceral end-organ injury, no clinically demonstrable permanent postoperative deficits were observed. Our patients had no neurological dysfunction, stroke, or other complications. Conclusions: Antegrade cerebral perfusion is of paramount importance in cases of aortic atherosclerosis or aortic dissection. The axillary artery provides an excellent site for safe antegrade perfusion, which may play a role in preventing stroke.     

Safety and efficacy of ascending aorta cannulation during repair of acute type A aortic dissection (PA29-04): “Presented at the 65th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery”

Objective

Antegrade central perfusion for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection prevents malperfusion and retrograde cerebral embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass. Prompt establishment of antegrade perfusion via the ascending aorta may improve surgical results of type A dissections, especially in situations of hemodynamic instability. Thus, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of cannulation of the dissected ascending aorta in acute type A dissection.

Methods

We reviewed the medical charts of patients undergoing repair of acute ascending aortic dissection (n = 52) from April 2010 to April 2013. Cannulation was accomplished in 29 patients via the ascending aorta (central) and in 23 patients via the femoral or axillary artery (peripheral). The ascending aorta was routinely cannulated using Seldinger technique under epiaortic ultrasound guidance. Comorbidities, mortality, complications, and durations of hospital stays were compared for the groups.

Results

In all cases, routine cannulation of the ascending aorta was safely performed with no resultant malperfusion or thromboembolism. Mean operative duration, cardiopulmonary bypass time, intubation time, and intensive care unit stay were significantly shorter in the central group. Two patients (6.8 %) in the central group died compared with four patients (17.3 %) in the peripheral group (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Antegrade central perfusion via the ascending aorta, a simple and safe technique that enables rapid establishment of antegrade systemic perfusion, was as safe as peripheral cannulation in patients with type A acute aortic dissection.     

Axillary artery perfusion for the extensive arterial vascular disease]

Usefulness of axillar artery perfusion for the cases with severe systematic atherosclerosis was reported. It is generally accepted that the femoral artery is a common arterial cannulation site when performing the surgery of ascending aorta and total aortic arch. However, atheroembolism is one of the most severe complication for the patients with extensive arterial vascular disease by using femoral arterial perfusion. Axillar artery perfusion can prevent these complications, and the perfusion through the artificial graft anastomosed to the axillar artery can also avoid the malperfusion of the vertebral artery and axillar artery. We concluded that the axillar artery perfusion via artificial graft is useful alternative for aortic surgery.     

Cannulation of the ascending aorta in left thoracotomy for thoracic aortic aneurysms

In patients with aneurysms of the thoracic aorta, the risks of cerebral embolism and malperfusion are increased if retrograde aortic perfusion via the femoral artery is used during repair. We describe a surgical technique used for 6 aneurysms of the thoracic descending aorta that were operated on via thoracotomy with cannulation of the ascending aorta and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.     

Coronary malperfusion of left main trunk due to localized dissection of the ascending aorta

Case 1. Forty nine years woman was given a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography and trans-esophageal echocardiography showed left main trunk dissection due to local aortic root dissection. We operated surgical repair at left main trunk by pericardium after percutaneous coronary intervention. Case 2. Forty nine years man was given a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction caused by left main trunk dissection due to traumatic local aortic root dissection. We operated coronary artery bypass grafting after insertion of perfusion catheter to left main trunk for maintain coronary perfusion. Although local dissection of aortic aorta is relatively rare, it is potentially complicated with coronary malperfusion. We describe 2 success a cases of surgical treatment for local acute type A aortic dissection complicated with coronary malperfusion.     

Axillary artery cannulation for arterial inflow in patients with acute dissection of the ascending aorta.

The axillary artery is an alternative site for arterial cannulation that avoids manipulation of the ascending aorta or aortic arch and provides antegrade blood flow during surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Right axillary artery cannulation has been used in 27 patients for arterial perfusion. There were no complications related to the technique of axillary cannulation. All patients but one awoke neurologically intact from operation and suffered no complications. Hospital mortality occurred in two (7.4%) patients. Axillary cannulation is easy to establish and may safely be used for arterial inflow during surgery for acute type A dissection of the ascending aorta.     

Surgery for acute aortic dissection concomitant with preceding axillofemoral bypass to prevent malperfusion of visceral organs and limb ischemia

A 52-year-old man was admitted with sudden onset of epigastralgia. Abdominal X-ray showed dilated intestine and computed tomography (CT) revealed extended type A aortic dissection. Marked abdominal distention and weak pulse of right femoral artery were recognized so malperfusion of visceral organs due to narrowing true lumen compressed by thrombosed false lumen was suggested. In the operation, right axillo-right femoral bypass was established preceding to median sternotomy. This graft was used as an arterial perfusion site of cardiopulmonary bypass, and replacement of the ascending aorta was performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion. Sign of malperfusion of visceral organs was showed for several days after the operation but it disappeared without further intervention. Axillofemoral inflow of cardiopulmonary bypass may be effective procedure in these cases.