Aortic arch and proximal supraaortic arterial repair under continuous antegrade cerebral perfusion and moderate hypothermia.

PURPOSE: In this prospective study the clinical and neurological outcome of continuous antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) and moderate hypothermia was evaluated in patients undergoing ascending and aortic arch repair including reconstruction of the proximal supraaortic arteries. METHODS: In 50 consecutive patients (mean age 47 yr, range 22-70) aortic arch and supraaortic arterial repair was performed: ascending aorta and aortic arch (n=34) and aortic arch and Bentall procedure (n = 16). In 12 patients the distal anastomosis was performed using the elephant trunk technique. Test-clamping of the innominate artery for 3 min was performed under EEG-monitoring followed by the same procedure for the left carotid artery. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted and the innominate artery replaced by a polyester graft before antegrade perfusion was carried out through the graft. While cooling to 28-30 degrees C, the left carotid artery was similarly treated with subsequent antegrade cerebral perfusion. The distal anastomosis was made at or beyond the left subclavian artery under circulatory arrest. During rewarming the innominate and carotid polyester grafts as well as the subclavian artery were anastomosed to the main graft, while antegrade cerebral perfusion was continued. RESULTS: In 46 patients antegrade cerebral perfusion was achieved with a mean volume flow of 12 ml/kg/min and a mean arterial pressure of 54 mmHg. EEG-monitoring delineated stable and symmetrical recordings. In four patients antegrade flow (mean 15 ml/kg/min) and pressure (mean 65 mmHg) had to be increased to establish baseline EEG-recordings. The mean time of circulatory arrest was 18 min.The overall hospital mortality was 6%: two patients died from cerebral infarction and one patient suffered from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Three patients (6%) developed a temporary neurological deficit which resolved spontaneously. Two patients (4%) developed renal failure requiring temporary hemodialysis. Pulmonary complications occurred in 12 patients (25%). CONCLUSION: Continuous antegrade cerebral perfusion via selective grafts to the innominate and carotid arteries offers adequate protection in patients undergoing replacement of the ascending aorta or aortic arch and great vessels. This technique allows radical repair and optimal vascular reconstruction without time restrains and avoids the necessity for profound hypothermia     

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.     

A cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion technique for the surgical repair of aortic type I dissections requiring the elephant trunk procedure

The effect of cerebral and spinal cord protection by a modified perfusion technique during the elephant trunk procedure was assessed. Between 1997 and 1998, six patients underwent selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) and lower half of the body perfusion (LBP), in which the right subclavian and left femoral arteries were separately cannulated and perfused by individual pump heads. Moderate systemic cooling was used (nasal temp. 20-30 degrees C; rectal temp. 23-26 degrees C). The open distal aortic repair was performed using only the selective cerebral perfusion; while the aortic arch reconstruction was performed using both selective cerebral and lower half of the body simultaneous perfusion. Blood oxygen saturation of the left jugular vein (SjO2) and regional oxygen saturation cerebral (rSO2) in the front region of the brain, was monitored along with the pressure of the left temporal superficial and femoral artery. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 136 minutes, with a mean arrest time of 92 minutes. Mean duration of isolated selective cerebral perfusion was 23 minutes, with flow rates of 5-8 mL/kg/min; a left temporal superficial artery pressure of 50 mmHg; SjO2 65-80%, and rSO2 58-72%. Mean duration of simultaneous selective cerebral and lower half of the body perfusion was 27 minutes; cerebral flow rates 5-8 mL/kg/min; the left temporal superficial artery pressure of 45-50 mmHg; SjO2 70-85% and rSO2 55-76%. At the same time, lower half of the body flow rates were maintained within 30-50 mL/kg/min; with a femoral artery pressure 50-80 mmHg. Mean extubation time was 28 hours; mean ICU time was 4.5 days. There were no neurologic complications in any patient. All patients survived the operation and were discharged from the hospital. This modified perfusion technique of SCP and LBP worked well and provided satisfactory cerebral and spinal cord protection.     

Proximal aortic perfusion with passive cerebral flow: a method to prevent cerebral embolism in the arch and descending aortic operation

Antegrade aortic perfusion is preferable in arch and descending aortic operations. We describe a left lateral approach using an ascending aortic cannula, temporarily relocated within the distal aorta to maintain hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass of the lower torso. This modification provides continual antegrade systemic perfusion and passive retrograde cerebral flow during arch repair. It minimizes the risk of embolization into the brachiocephalic arteries of debris and malperfusion of the dissected aorta.     

Moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and selective cerebral perfusion in ascending aorta and aortic arch surgery. Preliminary experience in twenty-two patients

Deep hypothermic cardiocirculatory arrest is the commonest method of brain protection during transverse aortic arch surgery. Its principle drawbacks consist in the limited safe ischemic period and in the coagulative, renal and pulmonary complications related to low body temperatures and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time. Different selective cerebral perfusion techniques have recently raised the interest of some surgical teams in an effort to obviate these problems. The authors' initial experiences with 22 patients, ranging in age from 19 to 78 years (mean, 55±15 years), who underwent ascending aorta and/or aortic arch replacement using selective cerebral perfusion and moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass are reported here. Acute aortic dissection and atherosclerotic aneurysm were the commonest lesions observed: ascending aorta associated with partial or complete arch replacement was the most widely performed procedure. With regard to the perfusion technique, after regular cardiopulmonary bypass had been established through the iliac vessels, selective cerebral perfusion was started after aortic arch vessels cannulation (innominate artery, bilateral common carotid artery, innominate artery and left common carotid artery, or right common carotid artery) using a single roller pump separately from the systemic circulation, and brain perfusion was achieved by blood cooled at 30°C, at a flow rate that ranged from 300 ml/min to 1500 ml/min, at a perfusion pressure of ~65 mmHg, with the patient maintained at moderate hypothermia (30°C rectal). To perform distal aortic repair, if transverse aortic arch or proximal descending aorta cross-clamping was not feasible, cardiopulmonary bypass flow was lowered to 300–350 ml/min and an open anastomosis was performed, while independently assuring cerebral perfusion (six patients). There were three hospital deaths (mortality rate of 13.6%; s.d. 6.0–25.5%; 70% confidence limit), but none because of cerebral accident. No paraplegia occurred. One patient suffered from right hemiparesis, neither renal nor pulmonary complications were observed. Two chest reexplorations were necessary for bleeding, which were partially related to hemocoagulative disorders. In our experience, the technique of moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and selective cerebral perfusion in aortic surgery has provided good results with regard to cerebral protection and organ function preservation. Therefore, allowing a prolonged distal aortic reconstruction period, it may be considered as a safe alternative to profound hypothermia associated with cardiocirculatory arrest in aortic arch surgery.     

Hydrodynamic evaluation of axillary artery perfusion for normal and diseased aorta

Axillary artery perfusion is an attractive alternative to reduce the frequency of atheroembolism in extensive atherosclerotic aorta and aortic aneurysms. This study was conducted to evaluate the flow dynamics of axillary artery perfusion. Transparent glass models of a normal aortic arch and an aortic arch aneurysm were used to evaluate hydrodynamic properties. Streamline analysis and distribution of the shear stress was evaluated using a particle image velocity method. In the normal aortic arch model, rapid flow of 80 cm/s from the right axillary artery ran out from the brachiocephalic artery and grazed the lesser curvature of the aortic arch. There was secondary reversed flow in the ascending aorta. Flow from left axillary perfusion went straight to the descending aorta. In the aortic arch aneurysm model, flow from both axillary arteries hit the lesser curvature of the aortic arch and went into the ascending aorta with vortical flow. Distribution of shear stress was high along the jet from the ostium of the brachiocephalic artery and left subclavian artery. Flow in the aortic arch and the ascending aorta was unexpectedly rapid. Special care must be taken when the patient has frail atheroma around arch vessels or the lesser curvature of the aortic arch during axillary artery perfusion.     

A case report of simultaneous procedure of Cabrol's operation and aortic arch replacement: method to reduce the duration of ischemic cardiac arrest]

A 57-year-old female underwent simultaneous Cabrol's operation and aortic arch replacement for aortic dissection. She was admitted with complaint of back pain. Aortography demonstrated acute dissecting aneurysm of the ascending, arch and descending aorta (DeBakey type I) as well as aortic valve regurgitation (Seller's II degree). The operation was undertaken using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) under hypothermia with selective cerebral perfusion. A new method to reduce the duration of ischemic cardiac arrest was applied. Initially a low-porosity woven Dacron tube graft (8 mm) was anastomosed to coronary arteries. Blood of CPB was perfused to this graft. This coronary perfusion contributed to shorten ischemic cardiac arrest time and cardiac function was favorable. This method to reduce the duration of ischemic cardiac arrest brought about good result.     

A successful surgical case of aortic arch aneurysm associated with aortic regurgitation

A 57-year-old male patient with aortic regurgitation and aneurysm of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch underwent aortic valve replacement and graft replacement from the ascending aorta to the aortic arch. The operation was done using cardio-pulmonary bypass and selective cerebral perfusion with deep hypothermia. Postoperative DSA revealed no dilatation of the sinus Valsalva and a good configuration of the anastomosis. It seems that selective cerebral perfusion with deep hypothermia is a safe method to prevent cerebral damage in a case of arch aneurysm.     

Aortic arch repair with right brachial artery perfusion

Background. To determine the effectiveness of unilateral selective cerebral perfusion for aortic arch repair and to discuss possible modifications to enhance technical simplicity.

Methods. In the period between January 1996 and April 2001, 104 patients underwent aortic arch repair with the use of right brachial artery low flow (8 to 10 mL/kg per minute) antegrade selective cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermia (26°C). Mean patient age was 52 ± 12 years. Sixty-four patients presented with Stanford type A aortic dissection, including 12 with acute dissection; 38 patients had aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta and aortic arch; and 2 patients had isolated arch aneurysm. Ascending and partial arch replacement was performed in 50 patients; ascending and total arch replacement in 33 patients; ascending and descending arch replacement in 19 patients; and isolated arch replacement in 2 patients.

Results. Mean antegrade cerebral perfusion time was 39 ± 22 minutes. One patient with acute proximal dissection died because of cerebral complications. One other patient developed right hemiparesis, which resolved during the second postoperative month without sequela. Other than these 2 cases (1.9%), no other neurologic event was observed.

Conclusions. The technique of low flow antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through the right brachial artery may be used for a vast majority of aortic aneurysms and dissections requiring arch repair. This technique does not necessitate deep hypothermia, requires shorter cardiopulmonary bypass and operation times, has the advantage of simplicity, provides optimal vascular repair without time restraints and, in terms of clinical results, is as safe as other techniques for cerebral protection.     

主动脉弓三分支覆膜支架在Stanford A型急性主动脉夹层外科治疗中的应用

目的 总结外科处理升主动脉加主动脉弓三分支覆膜支架置入治疗Stanford A型急性主动脉夹层的临床经验.方法 对2010年1月至12月收治的14例Stanford A型主动脉夹层患者行升主动脉手术处理加主动脉弓三分支覆膜支架置入,其中男性12例,女性2例,年龄20～70岁,平均49岁.手术包括升主动脉置换术加支架置入4例,主动脉根部置换术(Bentall术)加支架置入5例,主动脉瓣置换加升主动脉置换术(Wheat术)加支架置入4例,主动脉瓣成形加升主动脉置换术加支架置入1例;其中6例为急诊手术.结果 平均心肺转流时间(186±38)min,心肌阻断时间(101±27)min,选择性脑灌注时间(39±11)min.无住院死亡病例;术后出现短暂性神志障碍1例,肢体活动障碍1例,急性肾功能衰竭1例,二次开胸手术1例,消化道出血1例,乳糜胸1例,治疗后均痊愈.出院前及出院后3个月内行大血管CT血管造影检查:升主动脉及弓部覆膜支架内血流通畅,主动脉弓段及降主动脉假腔缩小,主动脉管壁结构恢复.随访1～12个月,无晚期死亡及需要再次手术纠治血管病变者.结论 主动脉弓三分支覆膜支架置入的主要适应证为内膜破口位于升主动脉但需重建弓部形态的Stanford A型急性主动脉夹层.其同期结合手术处理升主动脉是治疗急性Stanford A型主动脉夹层安全、有效的一种新手段.

Abstract：

Objective To sum up the experience of performing ascending aorta replacement combined triple-branched stent graft implantation for acute Standford type A aortic dissection. Methods From January 2010 to December 2010, 14 patients with acute Standford type A aortic dissection underwent the procedure of performing ascending aorta replacement combined triple-branched stent graft implantation.Right axiuary artery cannulation was used for cardiopulmonary bypass and selected cerebral perfusion.When the body temperature drops below 18 ℃, the ascending aorta was transected near the base of the innominate artery.From the incision, the triple-branched stent graft was implantated into the true lumen of the arch,descending aorta and the aorta bifurcation vessel. The transected stump of the ascending aorta was anastomosis to the proximal of the branched blood vessel prosthesis.Results Cardiopulmonary bypass time was (186 ±38) min,cross clamp time was (101 ±27) min,and average selective cerebral perfusion and lower body arrest time was ( 39 ± 11 ) min.The in-hospital mortality was zero.One patient of transient postoperative neurologic dysfunction, one of acute renal failure, one of transient limbs disturbance, one of secondary thoracotomy operation, one of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and one of postoperative chylothorax were observed.CT angiography rechecked showed the position of the vascular stent were satisfactory and the blood flow of arterial branches stents were lucid .The false lumen of the aortic arch and descending aorta closed with thrombus or shrinked.Conclusions The patients required aortic arch to be reconstructed which had no main tearing of intima in the arch may be best candidates for this technique.Open triple-branched stent graft placement combined ascending aorta replacement is an effective means for aortic arch reconstruction in acute Stanford type A aortic dissection.     

Single-stage repair of aortic coarctation with ventricular septal defect using isolated cerebral and myocardial perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To avoid hypothermic circulatory arrest, we have repaired aortic coarctation with ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a one-stage procedure using an isolated cerebral and myocardial perfusion technique, and retrospectively compared this novel approach to the conventional two-stage approach. METHODS: Between October 1991 and February 1999, 24 infants, aged 4-137 days (median, 27 days) and weighing 1.7-4.3 kg (median, 3.0 kg), underwent the repair of aortic coarctation with VSD either in one (group I, n=11) or two stages (group II, n=13). In Group I, an arterial cannula for cardiopulmonary bypass was inserted into the ascending aorta in six patients with coarctation only, or into a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft which was anastomosed to the innominate artery in the remaining five who had hypoplastic arches. A cross-clamp was placed between the innominate and left carotid arteries. The bypass flow was reduced to 30-50% of full flow at 28 degrees C, thereby maintaining a radial artery pressure of 30-45 mmHg. At this point, the aortic coarctation was repaired by an end-to-end arch anastomosis, while maintaining brain perfusion and with the heart still beating. In five patients with hypoplastic aortic arches, the innominate artery proximal to the graft was then secured down and the arch anastomosis was extended to the distal ascending aorta, while providing isolated cerebral perfusion and cardioplegic arrest. After arch reconstruction was performed, the clamp was moved onto the ascending aorta, and the VSD was closed with systemic perfusion. In contrast, for group II patients, coarctation repairs were performed through a posterolateral approach, and existing VSDs were closed as secondary procedures. RESULTS: The mean isolated cerebral and myocardial perfusion time for group I was 13 min (range, 7-20 min). The myocardial ischemic time did not differ between groups I and II (43+/-4 vs. 42+/-5 min, not significant). There were no hospital mortalities or neurological complications in either group, but one late death in each group. CONCLUSION: Single-stage repair of aortic coarctation with VSD does not increase myocardial ischemic time compared to the traditional two-stage approach. The isolated cerebral and myocardial perfusion technique may offer substantial brain and myocardial protection during aortic arch reconstruction.     

A surgical case of supravalvular aortic stenosis with severe hypoplastic ascending aorta (diffuse type) in Williams-Beuren syndrome

We report a six-year-old boy who underwent ascending aortic reconstruction for supravalvular aortic stenosis of diffuse type associated with Williams-Beuren syndrome. The diagnosis was first made at the age of six months. Because of progressive left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac catheterization was performed at the age of five years and showed left ventricular pressure of 200 mmHg, the ascending aortic pressure of 202 mmHg, the descending aortic pressure of 115 mmHg, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume of 33.5 ml (90% of normal). Whole ascending aorta except sinus Valsalva was severely hypoplastic, so called diffuse type of supravalvular aortic stenosis. The ascenidng aorta was only 6.3 mm in diameter, whereas the diameter of the aortic annulus was 20.6 mm. The ascending aortic reconstruction of Doty’s type was performed from the aortic root to the distal aortic arch with a equine pericardium reinforced by Dacron velour using selective perfusion to the right bracheocepharic artery, the left common carotid artery and the right femoral artery to avoid circulatory arrest. Postoperative course was uneventful and post operative catheterization revealed left ventricular pressure of 128 mmHg, the ascending aortic pressure of 126 mmHg and the descending aortic pressure of 90 mmHg. Mild residual pressure gradient was probably due to hypoplastic descending aorta. In conclusion, patch aortic reconstruction for ascending aorta under selective cerebral perfusion for a six-year old boy can be performed without postoperative neurological complication.     

Arch repair with unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Several antegrade cerebral perfusion techniques with differing neurological outcomes are employed for aortic arch repair. This study demonstrates the clinical results of aortic arch repair with unilateral cerebral perfusion via the right brachial artery. METHODS: Between January 1996 and March 2004, 181 patients underwent aortic arch repair via the right upper brachial artery with the use of low-flow (8-10 ml/kg per min) antegrade selective cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermia (26 degrees C). Mean patient age was 58+/-12 years. Presenting pathologies were Stanford type A aortic dissection in 112, aneurysm of ascending and arch of aorta in 67, and isolated arch aneurysm in two patients. Ascending and/or partial arch replacement was performed in 90 patients and ascending and total arch replacement in 91 patients (including 27 with elephant trunk). In a subset of patients, renal and hepatic effects of ischemic insult were assessed. Free hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase levels were measured pre and postoperatively to identify hemolytic effects of brachial artery cannulation. RESULTS: Mean antegrade cerebral perfusion time was 36+/-27 min. Three patients with acute proximal dissection died due to cerebral complications. One patient had transient right hemiparesis. Total major neurological event rate was 2.2%. Brachial artery was able to carry full cardiopulmonary bypass flow with mild hemolysis. Renal and hepatic tests showed no deleterious effects of limited ischemia at moderate hypothermia. CONCLUSIONS: Arch repair with antegrade cerebral perfusion through right brachial artery has excellent neurological results, provides technical simplicity and optimal repair without time restraints, does not necessitate deep hypothermia and requires shorter CPB and operation times.     

Total replacement of the transverse aortic arch with the Gott aneurysm shunt

A new method of temporary external shunting for total replacement of the aortic arch is described. Its greatest advantage is that systemic heparinization is not required. In a 46-year-old man total body perfusion was achieved with two 9-mm Gott aneurysm shunts inserted between the ascending aorta and both femoral arteries. Blood supply to the brain was maintained with the cut halves of a 7-mm Gott shunt connected as side branches to one of the 9-mm shunts, allowing cannulation of both carotid arteries. The total cardiac output, measured at 4.7 L/min by the thermodilution technique through a Swan-Ganz catheter, was propelled through these preheparinized multibranch shunts. A flowmeter adapted on one of the 9-mm Gott shunts demonstrated a shunt flow of 2000 ml/min and it was deduced that the other 2700 ml of the total cardiac output was delivered by the other shunt. During the 29 minutes of cross-clamping, there was no change in the filling pressure of either the right heart (central venous pressure 5 cm H2O) or the left heart (pulmonary wedge pressure 8 mm Hg). Aortic continuity was reestablished with the interposition of a 34-mm tubular woven Dacron prosthesis, on which two 10-mm woven Dacron side branches were anastomosed to the innominate and left common carotid arteries. The patient had no neurologic deficit and had normal physiologic function of all other organs.     

Separate operation for extensive aneurysm (mega-aorta) complicated with ischemic heart disease

A seventy one year-old woman, who had an arch and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (type II according to Crawford classification) with ischemic heart disease, underwent a separate operation using the elephant trunk method. At first, she underwent the ascending aorta and arch replacement the with elephant trunk technique, and, underwent CABG simultaneously utilizing the separate extra corporeal circulation and hypothermic circulatory arrest. The Chest and abdominal CT revealed the enlargement of abdominal aortic aneurysm 5 months after operation. The second operation was performed using Stoney’s spiral opening method and the revasculization of spinal arteries (Th6, 7 and Th9) underwent the segmental aortic clamping to prevent spinal cord ischemia. Furthermore, the second operation was performed using selective perfusion to visceral arteries and F-F bypass for the prevention of visceral ischemia. Each flow rate by selective perfusion in major abdominal blanches was from 50 to 100 ml/min. Therefore, hepatorenal dysfunction and paraparesis did not occur after the second operation. It was suggested that the segmental aortic clamping and the selective perfusion to visceral arteries with F-F bypass may be effective to prevent the ischemia of the spinal cord and abdominal organs.     

Minimized mortality and neurological complications in surgery for chronic arch aneurysm: axillary artery cannulation, selective cerebral perfusion, and replacement of the ascending and total arch aorta

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral complication is still a major concern in surgery for arteriosclerotic aortic arch disease. For preventing this complication, axillary artery cannulation, selective cerebral perfusion, and replacement of the ascending and arch aorta were applied to thoracic aortic aneurysm involving aortic arch. METHOD: From May 1999 to July 2002, consecutive 39 patients with true aneurysm (29 patients) or chronic aortic dissection (10 patients) involving aortic arch underwent replacement of the ascending and arch aorta with an elephant trunk under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass through the axillary artery cannulation and selective cerebral perfusion. The brain was continuously perfused without any intermission through the axillary artery. Concomitant operation included coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in two patients, aortic valve replacement (AVR) in one, Bentall operation in two, mitral valve replacement (MVR) in one, and aortic valve sparing operation in one. Patient age at operation was 40-84 (72 + 9) years and 24 of them were older than 70 years of age. RESULTS: There was one operative death (2.5%) due to bleeding from the left lung, and one hospital death due to respiratory failure. Postoperative permanent neurological dysfunction was found in one patient (2.5%). Two patients presented temporary neurological dysfunction (5%). Thirty-six of the 39 patients were discharged from hospital on foot. CONCLUSION: Continuous perfusion through the axillary artery with selective cerebral perfusion and replacement of the ascending and arch aorta may minimize cerebral complication leading to satisfactory results in patients with chronic aortic aneurysm involving aortic arch.     

Surgical treatment of a retrosternal pseudoaneurysm arising from the posterior aortic root

We report a case of a 60-year-old male with a retrosternal pseudoaneurysm arising from the posterior aortic root. He had undergone replacement of the aortic root and ascending aorta for an acute aortic dissection. His postoperative course was complicated with composite graft infection. During a redo surgery, femoro-femoral bypass was established prior to sternotomy via the right femoral artery and vein, and ten French cannulas were directly inserted into both carotid arteries through separate skin incisions for brain perfusion. When the sternum was divided, an occlusion balloon catheter introduced through the left femoral artery was inflated to maintain somatic perfusion without compromising clear vision of the operative field. Combined procedures with direct cannulation into both common carotid arteries and balloon occlusion of the distal aortic arch allowed us to safely perform replacement of the aortic root and ascending aorta in the patient with a retrosternal pseudoaneurysm.     

Radiotherapy-induced aortic valve disease associated with porcelain aorta

Mediastinal irradiation has been reported to induce cardiac disease such as pericarditis, valvular dysfunction, conduction abnormalities, accelerated arteriosclerosis of the coronary arteries, and also calcifications of the ascending aorta. We herein describe a case of radiotherapy-induced porcelain aorta and aortic valve disease and their surgical treatment. The patient was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 1965 (Osserman’s type II), and mediastinal irradiation was performed in 1970 for treatment of thymic tumor associated with MG. Thirty years after radiation therapy, complete atrioventricular block and aortic valve disease with severe calcification of the ascending aorta and aortic arch (porcelain aorta) were detected on echo cardiogram and cardiac catheterization. A permanent pacemaker was implanted via the left subclavian vein and aortic valve replacement was performed under extracorporeal circulation established by selective cerebral perfusion and balloon occlusion instead of aortic cross-clamping. As no risk factors of arteriosclerosis such as hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension were apparent, we concluded that the aortic valve disease and porcelain aorta were primarily induced by radiotherapy.     

A case of aortitis syndrome treated by simultaneous procedure of Bentall's operation and aortic arch replacement]

The case is a 22-year-old man, in whom chest X-P pointed out aortic and cardiac shadow enlargements. Aortography revealed extensive aortic aneurysm involving the ascending, arch, and proximal descending portions of the aorta, accompanied with annulo-aortic ectasia, aortic regurgitation, and stenosis of the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries, suggesting lesions due to aortitis syndrome. For this case, Bentall's operation and replacement of the aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta were performed simultaneously, using hypothermic selective cerebral perfusion. Favorable postoperative course and absent neurological abnormality enabled the patient to return to his former social work. Steroid therapy has been continued up to the present, 5 years postoperatively, with neither recurrence of inflammation nor occurrence of cardiac murmur.