A case of coexisting descending thoracic aortic aneurysm and atypical aortic coarctation treated successfully by surgery using the thromboexclusion method

The thromboexclusion method was successfully applied to a 43-year-old male with aortitis syndrome. Preoperative aortogram showed a fusiform aneurysm of the descending aorta just below the left subclavian artery and atypical coarctation of the descending aorta distal to this aneurysm. Pressure gradient across the stenosis was about 70 mmHg. The technique of flow reversal and thromboexclusion was performed in this patient because of severe calcification in the aortic arch and the entire descending aorta. A long extra-anatomical bypass between the ascending aorta and the infrarenal abdominal aorta was made, and a permanent aortic clamp was placed across the aorta at the left subclavian artery. Hypertension in the arm disappeared immediately after the operation, and postoperative catheterization revealed no pressure gradient between the ascending and the abdominal aorta. Computed tomogram performed 18 days after the operation and aortogram done 44 days postoperatively disclosed thrombi formation in the aneurysm.     

Coarctation of aorta with right aortic arch and anomalous left subclavian artery]

The occurrence of coarctation in patients with right aortic arch is extremely rare. We have encountered a 21-year-old man with anomalous left subclavian artery. He was diagnosed when he was 13. On angiography he exhibited a right aortic arch. The left common carotid artery, right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery diverged from the proximal side of the coarctation. The left subclavian artery diverged from the distal side. The right brachial arterial pressures measured 158-72 mmHg, while the left brachial arterial pressures measured 98-80 mmHg. Clinical studies revealed no vascular ring and no other anomalies were found in this patient. An attempt at treatment was made with extra anatomical bypass grafting from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta. No pressure difference due to coarctation remained after operation.     

Ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via right thoracotomy for complex (re-) coarctation and hypoplastic aortic arch.

OBJECTIVE: Operation for aortic recoarctation and/or residual hypoplastic arch represents a surgical challenge because of surrounding scar tissue in the coarctation area, hazard of spinal cord ischemia due to aortic cross-clamping, laceration of the recurrent nerve, and the choice of the best approach. We demonstrate the results of 52 operations of an extra anatomically bypass technique via right thoracotomy approach without establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Since 1987, 52 patients underwent extra anatomically positioned ascending-descending bypass grafting. Indication was aortic recoarctation with concomitant hypoplastic aortic arch (45 patients), atypical coarctation of aortic arch (2 patients), congenital anomalies of aortic arch (2 patients) and concomitant aortic coarctation and associated cardiac problems that required surgical repair (2 patient), infected stent-graft of descending aorta (1 patient). Mean age was 19.3 years. Systolic pressure gradients at rest ranged from 35 to 90mmHg; upper extremity hypertension was present in all patients. Operative technique consisted of performing aorta ascending-descending bypass graft size 16 or 18mm in diameter, via right thoracotomy (in 51 patient) or sternotomy (in 1 patient). RESULTS: The mortality rate was 1.9% (1/52). Five patients returned to the operating room (in 3-5 days after operation) for a lymphorrhea complication. An arterial pressure gradient in the limbs was totally corrected. During a follow-up period of actually 79+/-54 months, no adverse event was noticed and antihypertensive medication was stopped in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via right thoracotomy is a safe and effective method for management complex (re-) coarctation and hypoplastic aortic arch.     

升主动脉-降主动脉人工血管旁路移植术在复杂主动脉缩窄中的应用5例

目的探讨正中开胸行升主动脉-降动脉人工血管旁路移植术治疗复杂主动脉缩窄的手术细节。方法 5例复杂型主动脉缩窄患者正中开胸行升主动脉-降主动脉旁路手术,其中4例行膈肌上吻合(其中1例经左心缘路径,3例经右心缘路径),1例行膈肌下吻合。分别观察术后上下肢压差及并发症情况。结果 5例患者均无死亡,术后上下肢压差均降低至20 mmHg以下,恢复可,术后并发症包括咳嗽1例及黑朦2例。结论正中开胸行升主动脉-降动脉人工血管旁路移植术治疗主动脉缩窄效果可,但手术细节对术后并发症的影响仍需进一步研究。     

Posterior pericardial approach for ascending aorta-to-descending aorta bypass through a median sternotomy

BACKGROUND: Bypass grafting for repeat operation or complex forms of descending aortic disease is an alternative approach to decrease potential complications of anatomic repair. METHODS: Between December 1985 and February 1998, 17 patients (13 men, 4 women; mean age, 47.6 +/- 18.5 years) underwent ascending aorta-to-descending aorta bypass through a median sternotomy and posterior pericardial approach. Indications for operation were coarctation or recoarctation of aorta in 8 patients, Takayasu's aortitis in 2, prosthetic aortic valve stenosis associated with coarctation of aorta, complex descending aortic arch aneurysm, reoperation for chronic descending aortic dissection, long-segment stenosis of descending aorta, acquired coarctation after repair of traumatic transection of descending aorta, severe aortic atherosclerosis, and false aneurysm of descending aorta after repair of coarctation in 1 patient each. Concomitant procedures were performed in 12 patients. RESULTS: No early or late mortality has occurred. Follow-up was 100% complete and extended to 12 years (mean, 2.7 +/- 3.3 years). No late graft-related complications have occurred; 1 patient had successful repair of perivalvular leak after mitral valve replacement, and 1 patient had replacement of lower descending and abdominal aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of the descending aorta through the posterior pericardium for ascending aorta-descending aorta bypass is a safe alternative and particularly useful when simultaneous intracardiac repair is necessary.     

Development of neo-coarctation in patients with transposed great arteries and hypoplastic aortic arch after Lecompte modification of anatomical correction

We report on three patients with kinking in the proximal aortic arch that developed after Lecompte modification of the arterial switch operation. Two patients had a previous subclavian patch repair of coarctation of the aorta and had an associated hypoplasia of the transverse aortic arch, and one patient had hemodynamically mild coarctation at the anatomical repair. A severe pressure gradient across the kinked area ("neo-coarctation") necessitating reoperation developed in one patient. The acute arch angulation appears to be due to an excessive posterior displacement of the ascending aorta by the anterior relocation of either the right or left main pulmonary artery branch from underneath the aortic arch. A foreshortened and frequently hypoplastic transverse aortic arch, a common association with coarctation of the aorta, appears to be especially vulnerable to the development of "neo-coarctation" after the Lecompte modification of the anatomical repair of transposed great arteries.     

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.     

A case report of atypical coarctation of the aortic arch with thoracic aortic aneurysm

A 30-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of the abnormal shadow on chest X ray film and paralysis of right fingers. The preoperative aortogram and DSA showed atypical coarctation of the aortic arch with thoracic aortic aneurysm. We successfully performed extra-anatomical bypass with a 14 mm Cooley low porosity Ducron graft between ascending aorta and discending aorta. Her postoperative course was uneventful and discharged one month after the operation.     

Bilateral subclavian steal associated with severe coarctation of the thoracic aorta and an aberrant right subclavian artery

A 10-year-old girl having bilateral subclavian steal associated with severe coarctation of the thoracic aorta and an aberrant right subclavian artery was found, on admission, to have no difference between upper and lower extremity blood pressure, but echocardiography revealed severe thoracic aorta coarctation and systolic blood pressure in the carotid arteries exceeding 200 mmHg estimated by Doppler ultrasonography. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography demonstrated bilateral subclavian steal without esophageal compression. We reconstructed the aortic arch using the left subclavian artery and a reversed Blalock-Park procedure, then repaired the coarctation with a 14 mm woven double velor vascular graft. The girl was symptom-free following uncomplicated recovery from surgery. Doppler ultrasonography 2 weeks after surgery showed the pressure gradient across the aortic arch had decreased from 180 mmHg to 60 mmHg. This residual gradient at the anastomosis between the ascending aorta and left subclavian artery may improve as native vessels grow.     

Pseudocoarctation associated with dissecting aneurysm of the aorta: a case report]

A case of pseudocoarctation with dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch is reported. A 49-year-old man was admitted with chest pain and loss of consciousness. Angiogram showed kinking of the aortic isthmus and dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta. There was no pressure gradient between arms and legs. Prosthetic graft replacement of the ascending aorta was successfully performed by the use of total cardiopulmonary bypass with moderate hypothermia. Etiology of the development of pseudocoarctation is unknown, however, hypothesis that embryological abnormality of the aortic arch is one of the contributing factors has been widely accepted. This case was accompanied by bicuspid aortic valve. It is suggested that the developmental etiology of this case seems to be similar to that of classical coarctation of the aorta. Development of the dissecting aneurysm is supposed to be due to hypertension of the upper body during exercise, even though there is no pressure gradient at rest.     

经颈动脉腔内技术重建主动脉弓治疗Stanford A型夹层动脉瘤(附1例报告)

目的探讨血管腔内技术重建主动脉弓治疗升主动脉、主动脉弓病变的可行性。方法2005年,对1例StanfordA型夹层动脉瘤,腔内修复主动脉病变之前做右颈总动脉-左颈总动脉-左锁骨下动脉的旁路术;经右颈总动脉将修改的分叉支架型血管主体放入升主动脉,长臂位于无名动脉。短臂应用延长支架型血管延伸至降主动脉。通过腔内技术重建主动脉弓实现累及升主动脉和主动脉弓主动脉病变的微创治疗。结果腔内修复术后移植物形态良好,血流通畅,病变被隔绝,脑、躯干、四肢循环稳定。无严重并发症。结论该手术方案设计合理、技术可行。可能成为复杂胸主动脉病变新的腔内治疗模式。     

Acute Type A Dissection Treated with Combined Endovascular Repair of Arch and Surgical Bypass of Arch Vessels from Descending Aorta

We report a case of an endovascular repair of a recurrent dissecting aneurysm of the aortic arch and dissection of carotid vessels, 3 years after surgical repair of aortic valve and ascending aorta for a type A dissection. We performed a bypass from the descending aorta to right, left common carotid artery (CCA), to left subclavian artery with no cardiopulmonary bypass and thereafter, total ascending and aortic arch stent grafting. We suggest considering total aortic arch stent grafting with bypass of arch vessels in cases of complicated acute type A dissection. In cases where the ascending aorta cannot be used as donor site for bypass, we suggest the use of the descending aorta.     

Ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via posterior pericardium for complex coarctation of aorta

Abstract   We introduce our surgical experience in treating recurrent aortic coarctation or coarctation associated with intracardiac abnormalities, which is difficult to manage. Four patients underwent the operation with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. During the surgery, the posterior pericardium was opened and the thoracic aorta was dissected and sidebiting clamped, and an end-to-side anastomosis of the artificial graft to the descending aorta was performed. The graft was passed in between the inferior vena cava and the inferior right pulmonary vein and posterior to the pericardium. After that, the aorta was clamped and intracardiac repair was finished. Then the proximal artificial graft was anastomosed to the right side of the ascending aorta with heart beating. All patients recovered smoothly. There was no early or late death, without bleeding or other complications after operation. Conclusion : "Complex coarctation" can be treated with ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via posterior pericardium and satisfied result can be achieved.     

升主动脉-腹主动脉转流术治疗成人主动脉缩窄

目的 探讨升主动脉-腹主动脉人工血管转流术治疗成人主动脉缩窄的手术效果、随访结果并总结其临床经验.方法 2008年5月至2009年7月,应用升主动脉-腹主动脉人工血管转流术治疗成人主动脉缩窄9例,其中男4例,女5例;平均年龄42.6岁.所有病人均经桡动脉、足背动脉穿刺测压,根据术前、术后,桡动脉、足背动脉平均压差变化评价手术效果.结果 术后均治愈出院.术前桡动脉足背动脉平均压差36～63 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa);术后24 h桡动脉足背动脉平均压差0～13 mm Hg,较术前明显缩小.随访1～13个月,术后上、下肢动脉平均压差均小于20 mm Hg,转流人工血管通畅,2例主动脉缩窄远端自体动脉部分闭塞.结论 升主动脉-腹主动脉人工血管转流术是治疗成人主动脉缩窄的有效手段.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the surgical effects and follow-up results in treating adult aortic coarctation patients using ascending aorta-abdominal aorta vascular prosthesis bypass and summarize the clinical experiences. Methods From May 2008 to July 2009, ascending aorta-abdominal aorta vascular prosthesis bypass surgery was performed in nine patients with adult aortic coarctation, among which, four were male, and five were female, with the average age of 42.6 years old. All patients had upper extremity hypertension, the systolic blood pressure difference between their upper extremities and lower extremities was 55 - 100 mm Hg, mean (70.2 ± 15. 6) mm Hg. Among which, seven cases showed descending aorta aneurysmal dilatation at coarctation segment distal end, with the wall thinning; two cases showed long segment stenosis; three cases showed aortic wall near coarctation segment was calcified. All cases belonged to complex aortic coarctation. All patients underwent radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery puncture manometry, the surgical effects were evaluated according to mean pressure difference changes between radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery before and after operations. Results All patients were cured and dispertension has been significantly improved, before operation, the mean pressure difference between radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery was 36 - 63 mm Hg, mean [(48.2 ± 5.6 ) mm Hg]; 24 hours after operation, the mean pressure difference between radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery was 0 - 13 mm Hg, mean [(6.2 ± 1.6) mm Hg], significantly reduced ( P ＜per extremity hypertension disappeared, no need for oral antihypertensive drugs, the mean pressure differences between upper extremities and lower extremities after operations were all less than 20 mm Hg, thoracoabodominal aorta main vessels multi-slice CT examination three months after operation showed that bypass vascular prosthesis was unobetructed, two cases showed that autologous artery at aortic coarctation distal end were partly occluded. Conclusion Ascending aorta-abdominal aorta vascular prosthesis bypass would be an effective means for the treatment of adult aortic coarctation patients.     

Surgical treatment of interrupted aortic arch with extraanatomical bypass simultaneous to coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement

An interrupted aortic arch accompanied by further surgically reparable cardiac lesions is a rare combination in adult patients. We describe treatment of an interrupted aortic arch, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and aortic valve replacement (AVR) performed simultaneously through median sternotomy in a 64-year-old man. The patient underwent surgery performed using standard cardiopulmonary bypass with cannulation of the ascending aorta and the right atrium, hypothermia (24.6degreesC), and blood cardioplegic arrest. Four aortocoronary vein grafts and pericardial aortic valve replacement were carried out. Finally, the posterior pericardium was opened, and a 16-mm prosthesis was anastomosed to the descending aorta during side clamping using a 4-0 monofilament continuous suture. Optimal placement of the prosthesis was obtained by guiding it to the ascending aorta laterally to the right atrium and passing it between the inferior vena cava and right inferior lung vein. The operation was carried out without complications, and the postoperative course was uneventful. Magnetic resonance imaging showed competent aortic valve prosthesis and highly decreased collateral flow via the internal mammary arteries. Postoperatively both inguinal pulses were present, and the patient was free of angina. In the presence of an interrupted aortic arch, extraanatomical bypass via the posterior pericardium between the ascending and descending aorta can safely be performed at the same time as CABG and AVR through a median sternotomy.     

Aortic coarctation,vascular ring,and right aortic arch with aberrant subclavian artery

Right aortic arch, in all situations, is relatively rare. In association with coarctation and vascular compression, it is extremely rare. We present a patient with a right aortic arch and an aberrant left subclavian artery, in addition to coarctation. This was dealt with through a left thoracotomy by dividing the ligamentum arteriosum and placing a Dacron graft from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta.     

自体肺动脉补片主动脉弓成形治疗婴儿主动脉缩窄合并弓发育不良

目的 探讨缩窄段切除加自体肺动脉补片主动脉弓成形治疗婴儿主动脉缩窄合并主动脉弓发育不良的方法和效果.方法 2007年5月至2009年12月,14例主动脉缩窄合并主动脉弓发育不良病婴行主动脉缩窄段切除加自体肺动脉补片主动脉弓成形手术,其中男9例,女5例;年龄23天至17个月,中位值4.33月龄;平均体重(6.14±2.36)kg.所有病婴均诊断为合并室间隔缺损的主动脉缩窄,同时存在主动脉弓发育不良.手术在深低温体外循环下完成,其中8例采用选择性脑灌注技术,6例停循环.主动脉成形采用新鲜的自体肺动脉补片.同期修补合并的室间隔缺损.结果 围术期死于循环衰竭1例.13例生存,其中1例合并低心排血量综合征,经相应治疗恢复.术后超声心动图检查主动脉弓无残余梗阻.随访4个月至3年.超声心动图示主动脉弓压力阶差均<16 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),随访期间主动脉弓降部血流速度与出院时无明显变化.CT扫描显示主动脉弓几何构形正常;术后半年原左主支气管受压者症状明显改善或完全消失.无主动脉夹层动脉瘤发生.结论 缩窄段切除加自体肺动脉补片主动脉弓成形是治疗婴儿主动脉缩窄合并主动脉弓发育不良理想的手术方法.

Abstract：

Objective To discuss the operative techniques and results of coarctation resection plus aortoplasty with pulmonary autograft patch for coarctation of the aorta combined with hypoplastic aortic arch in infant.Methods Between May 2007 and Dec 2009,14 cases including 9 males and 5 females with caorctation of the aorta and hypoplastic aortic arch underwent coarctation resection plus aortoplasty with pulmonary autograft patch in our hospital.The age ranged from 23 days to 17 months,with a median of 4.33 months.The mean body weight was (6.14 ±2.36) kg.All patients were diagnosed as aortic coarctation combined with VSD and hypoplastic aortic arch.The surgery was performed under deep hypothermia cardiopulmonary bypass with selective cerebral perfusion in 8 cases and circulation arrest in 6 cases.Fresh pulmonary autograft patch harvested from the main pulmonary artery was used for aortoplasty.The associated VSD was repaired in the same stage.Results All patients survived except one died from circulatory failure during the perioperative period.Low cardiac output syndrome occurred in another case who was cured afterwards by correspondent treatments.No residual obstruction was detected by echocar-diography after the operation.Follow-up was carried out in 13 cases from 4 months to 3 years.Echocardiographic examination showed that the pressure gradient across the aortic arch was less than 16 mm Hg in all cases.The blood velocity at the descending aortic arch was not significantly changed during the follow-up period as compared with that of the immediate after operation.Computed tomography showed that the morphology of aortic arch was normal.The left bronchus compression was relieved obviously or totally disappeared in patients who suffered from left bronchus stenosis before operation,and no aortic aneurysm were detected in these patients.Conclusion Conclusion Coarctation resection plus aortoplasty with pulmonary autograft patch is the optimal surgical method for treating coarctation of the aorta combined with hypoplastic aortic arch in infant.     

Hypoplastic circumflex retroesophageal right-sided cervical aortic arch with unusual vascular arrangement and severe coarctation

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with a hypoplastic retroesophageal circumflex right-sided cervical aortic arch and coarctation. After the incidental finding of a heart murmur when the boy was 9 years old, cardiac magnetic resonance showed a right-sided cervical aortic arch, hypoplastic transverse arch, and separate origin of the left common carotid, right common carotid, right vertebral, and right subclavian arteries. The left subclavian artery arose from the proximal descending aorta next to the coarctation. An extra-anatomical ascending to descending aorta tube graft was inserted through a right lateral thoracotomy with good results.     

Surgical treatment of aneurysm of right aortic arch with cervical aorta

A patient with a cervical aorta and an aneurysm of a right sided aortic arch was treated without cardiopulmonary bypass by ascending to distal descending aorta bypass grafting, excision of the aneurysm and its transverse connection to the descending aorta and of the cervical segment of the aorta, and connection of the right subclavian artery to the ascending aorta. The clinical result is excellent after 9 years of follow-up.     

One-stage repair with separated cardiopulmonary bypass for coarctation of the aorta with left aortic arch and right thoracic descending aorta

We treated a 7-day-old neonate with aortic coarctation, left aortic arch, right-side descending aorta, aberrant right subclavian artery, and outlet ventricular septal defect. Surgical one-stage repair consisting of coarctation repair by extended direct anastomosis, patch closure of the ventricular septal defect, and translocation of the right subclavian artery was performed under a separated (upper and lower body) perfusion with ascending and thoracic descending aortic cannulation. The postoperative course was complicated with massive chylous effusion, which was successfully treated by thoracic duct ligation.