Aortic Perforation Research Articles

You get what you inspect, not what you expect: can we make the transseptal puncture safer?

Progress in the field of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has resulted in a renaissance of the technique of transseptal (TS) catheterization. Conventionally, the procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance and pressure monitoring. In experienced hands, various modifications of this method have a reasonable safety profile. However, serious complications such as cardiac tamponade (1.31%) or aortic perforation can still occur 1 and can lead to death (0.15%). Even in a more recent, large Italian survey on 5520 TS procedures performed between 1992 and 2003 at 33 centres, some severe complications were reported. 2 Although the complication rate was low (0.79% in 2003 and 0.74% in the previous years), one death was described. To reduce the incidence of such complications, TS puncture can be done under transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance. 3,4 Transoesophageal echocardiography in these settings necessitates a higher level of sedation and is often poorly tolerated. Intracardiac echocardiography requires an additional expertise and significantly increases the cost of the procedure. Mitchell-Heggs et al. 5 describe an alternative TEE technique to guide the TS puncture during atrial fibrillation ablation procedures using an ICE catheter introduced transnasally into the oesophagus. This technique was well tolerated and successfully performed in all 79 successive patients without any sedation. Insertion of the catheter was without any mechanical complication and TS puncture was successful and uneventful. The mean duration between the probe insertion and successful TS puncture was 4.5 min and the mean time of ICE in the oesophagus was only 10 min. The authors have concluded that the technique is safe and well tolerated. They recommend it for widespread use, especially due to its good value for money. At first sight, this report may not be so appealing for the electrophysiology community. However, it is an important online imaging strategy which can be used during complex interventions to maximize safety and efficacy. The use of echocardiographic guidance for TS puncture allows direct visualization of the tip of the TS needle within the fossa ovalis and thus, a safe TS puncture in every patient. In this respect, there seems to be no difference between the TEE and ICE approach. Our retrospective analysis of 1692 TS punctures guided by ICE between 2006 and 2009 revealed no complications associated with the puncture (unpublished data). This provides indirect evidence that the use of online imaging may increase the safety of the procedure, especially in anatomical variants of the intraatrial septum that make the procedure challenging (e.g. lipomatous hypertrophy, septal aneurysm, thick septum, or double membrane fossa, etc.). The safety of the echocardiographically guided TS puncture supports the use of a double TS access to prevent interference between the mapping and ablation catheters and to achieve greater mobility and manoeuvrability in the left atrium. It is also important to emphasize that the use of echocardiographic guidance enables selection of the site of the puncture within the fossa ovalis according to the expected type of the procedure (e.g. more anterior puncture for ablation of an accessory pathway at the mitral annulus or for ablation of ventricular tachycardia vs. a lower and more posterior puncture for ablation of atrial fibrillation). Although it is difficult to quantify the benefit of such a selective TS puncture, our experience has shown that even ,1 cm difference in the location of the puncture site can make a significant difference in manoeuvrability of the mapping and/or ablation catheter (Figure 1). This seems to be even more important when using ‘one-size-fits-all’ devices such as a cryoballoon or laser balloon. Today, we use an ICE-guided TS puncture even in cases of a patent foramen ovale since it allows us to optimize puncture in the lower and more posterior portion of the fossa ovalis. A group from Bordeaux has clearly documented that isolation of the pulmonary veins performed via a patent foramen ovale is more difficult, both for the left- and right-sided pulmonary veins. 6 Very superior and anterior location of the foramen ovale changes the radial movement of the catheter entering the left atrium and impedes the manipulation around the pulmonary veins. This results in less accurate positioning of the catheter and its greater instability. Although the authors did not

Cardiac valve involvement in Behcet's disease: a clinical study of 10 patients

To assess the clinical features in patients with cardiac valve lesions associated with Behcet's disease (BD). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 10 BD patients with cardiac valve lesions who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) during June 1999 to June 2009. Aortic regurgitation occurred in 6% of patients with BD in PUCMH. Patients included 8 male and 2 female with the mean age of 36.5. All the patients had occult onset cardiac symptoms with an average length of clinical course of 6 years. 5 patients fulfilled the ISG diagnostic criteria for BD and another 5 patients diagnosed by experts. The main echocardiography findings were severe aortic regurgitation, aneurysmal dilatations of ascendant aorta, echo-free space at the aortic root, aortic valve prolapse, mesh like mass incorporating aortic cusp, aortic valve perforation, et al. 3 patients underwent 7 operations. 5 simple aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgeries resulted in severe perivalvular leakage. 2 patients underwent Bentall and heart transplant surgeries respectively with perioperative immunosuppressive therapy had no complications. Cardiac valve involvement in BD is a rare but critical problem that requires a timely diagnosis and management. The current diagnostic criteria may have possibilities of delayed diagnosis of such problem. Echocardiography seems to be helpful for the timely diagnosis. The immunosuppressive therapy and Bentall type operations may be essential for improving the treatment outcome of BD with cardiac valve lesions.

Aorto-esophageal fistula: a rare fatal case caused by esophageal malignancy.

Aorto-esophageal fistula: a rare fatal case caused by esophageal malignancy.

Late aortic perforation with an atriasept device resulting in life‐threatening tamponade

Patients with compelling evidence of cryptogenic stroke due to patent foreamen ovale (PFO) are increasingly likely to be offered percutaneous closure of the defect. With improvements in technique there is now a high procedural success rate with low rates of periprocedural complications. Late complications are also rare, but include late perforation of the aortic root, which is rapidly progressive and potentially fatal. This has lead to the development of lower profile devices, which aim to reduce the risk of both early and late complications. At this stage, it is not clear if lower profile devices have safety profiles which are superior to the more established devices. We report the first case of late perforation of the aortic sinus by the lower profile Atriasept (Cardia) device presenting as life threatening cardiac tamponade in an adult who previously underwent percutaneous PFO closure.

Closing one hole leads to another: Delayed aortic perforation following closure of a patent foramen ovale

Catheterization and Cardiovascular InterventionsVolume 76, Issue 1 p. 135-136 Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Closing one hole leads to another: Delayed aortic perforation following closure of a patent foramen ovale† Carey Kimmelstiel MD, Corresponding Author Carey Kimmelstiel MD [email protected] Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Division of Cardiology Tufts Medical Center Boston, MassachusettsDivision of Cardiology, Tufts Medical Center, 750 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111Search for more papers by this author Carey Kimmelstiel MD, Corresponding Author Carey Kimmelstiel MD [email protected] Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Division of Cardiology Tufts Medical Center Boston, MassachusettsDivision of Cardiology, Tufts Medical Center, 750 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111Search for more papers by this author First published: 24 June 2010 https://doi.org/10.1002/ccd.22677 † Conflict of interest: Nothing to report. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume76, Issue11 July 2010Pages 135-136 SCAI Member Sign in RelatedInformation

Aortic Perforation Caused by Friction of a Chest Tube after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Aortic perforation caused by the friction of a chest tube is a rare but life-threatening complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We report a case involving CABG for triple-vessel disease and unstable angina. Reexploration was necessary 24 hours after the operation because of the sudden onset of pronounced bleeding. Perforation of the ascending aorta caused by friction of the chest tube was found. Bleeding was controlled by means of a purse string suture with 4-0 Prolene. Use of pericardium membrane between the heart and the chest tube and the choice of smaller and more flexible Silastic chest tubes in high-risk patients can probably reduce the incidence of this complication.

Surgery for complications of trans-catheter closure of atrial septal defects: a multi-institutional study from the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association

This study aims to analyse the collective experience of participating European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association centres in the surgical management of complications resulting from trans-catheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs). The records of all (n=56) patients, aged 3-70 years (median 18 years), who underwent surgery for complications of trans-catheter ASD closure in 19 participating institutions over a 10-year period (1997-2007) were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for surgical complications were sought. Surgical outcomes were compared with those reported for primary surgical ASD closure in the European Association of Cardio-thoracic Surgery Congenital Database. A wide range of ASD sizes (5-34mm) and devices of various types and sizes (range 12-60mm) were involved, including 13 devices less than 20mm. Complications leading to surgery included embolisation (n=29), thrombosis/thrombo-embolism/cerebral ischaemia or stroke (n=12), significant residual shunt (n=12), aortic or atrial perforation or erosion (n=9), haemopericardium with tamponade (n=5), aortic or mitral valve injury (n=2) and endocarditis (n=1). Surgery (39 early emergent and 17 late operations) involved device removal, repair of damaged structures and ASD closure. Late operations were needed 12 days to 8 years (median 3 years) after device implantation. There were three hospital deaths (mortality 5.4%). During the same time period, mortality for all 4453 surgical ASD closures reported in the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Congenital Database was 0.36% (p=0.001). Trans-catheter device closure of ASDs, even in cases when small devices are used, can lead to significant complications requiring surgical intervention. Once a complication leading to surgery occurs, mortality is significantly greater than that of primary surgical ASD closure. Major complications can occur late after device placement. Therefore, lifelong follow-up of patients in whom ASDs have been closed by devices is mandatory.

Emergent Endovascular Repair as Damage Control Step of Aortic Injury After Posterior Spinal Instrumentation

Emergent Endovascular Repair as Damage Control Step of Aortic Injury After Posterior Spinal Instrumentation

In Situ Polytetrafluoroethylene Graft Bypass for Primary Infected Aneurysm of the Infrarenal Abdominal Aorta

Reinfection is a major issue of surgical treatment for patients with infected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The present report describes outcomes after use of our procedure for treating patients with infected aneurysm of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. The procedure involved an in situ polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft bypass and omental wrapping of the graft. The procedure was used regardless of the presence of Gram-stain-positive pus or tissue or the type of pathogen identified. We retrospectively reviewed nine consecutive patients with primary infected aneurysms of the infrarenal abdominal aorta treated from June 2001 to August 2006 at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Diagnosis was based on preoperative abdominopelvic CT scans. Treatment involved removal of all infected tissue, including infected aorta tissue, in situ PTFE graft reconstruction, and wrapping of the graft with retrocolically transposed great omentum. Sensitive antibiotics were administered before and after the operation. In all cases, aneurysms were the result of aortitis and aortic wall perforation, and presented as aortic pseudoaneurysms with rupture. The pathogens identified were Salmonella non-typhi (n = 4), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 2), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 1), Citrobacter freundii (n = 1), and Brucella abortus (n = 1). There was no infection-related morbidity or mortality during a median follow-up period of 49 months. Surgical treatment comprising complete removal of all infected tissue, in situ PTFE graft reconstruction, and omental wrapping of the graft was effective in treating infected AAA. Key adjunct procedures were a precise preoperative diagnosis using abdominopelvic CT scans, and pre- and postoperative sensitive antibiotic treatment.

A case of iatrogenic aortic valve leaflet perforation after closure of a ventricular septal defect

Aortic regurgitation caused by leaflet perforation is most frequently seen in association with infective endocarditis that involves the aortic valve. There have been occasional reports of iatrogenic aortic regurgitation caused by aortic valve injury after cardiac surgery with the use of the transaortic approach or invasive cardiac procedures. Suture-related aortic valve injury can develop during periaortic cardiac surgery, but this has been very rarely reported. Inadvertent injury to an aortic valve leaflet caused by a stitching needle or surgical forceps can produce leaflet perforation with aortic regurgitation. This report describes a case of aortic regurgitation that was caused by iatrogenic aortic valve leaflet perforation, and this occurred in a 22-year-old woman who underwent repair of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) 15 years previously. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed a defect located at the aortic annulus close to the infundibular septum on a two-dimensional echocardiographic study and we observed an eccentric jet flow into the left ventricle in early diastole on the continuous wave and color flow Doppler studies. A small perforation in the body of the right aortic cusp and mild to moderate aortic regurgitation were confirmed by the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and ascending aortography.

Valvular Perforation in Left‐sided Native Valve Infective Endocarditis

Left-sided native valve infective endocarditis (LNVIE) can result in mitral (MP) and aortic (AP) valve perforation, the prognostic significance of which remains poorly defined. Valvular perforation is associated with worse outcomes. Retrospective review of patients with LNVIE during 1998-2005 was performed to examine characteristics and outcome predictors of LNVIE complicated by valve perforation. Patients were stratified as: group A: MP or AP detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or surgery; group B: no TEE evidence of MP or AP. A total of 123 patients were included (group A = 47, group B = 76). In group A, 35 patients (74.5%) had MP alone, 11 (23.4%) had AP alone, and 1 patient had both. Severe valvular insufficiency was encountered more in group A (85.1% versus 59.2%, p = 0.003), so was hemodialysis (40.4% versus 17.1%, p = 0.004) and indications for valvular surgery (93.6% versus 77.6%, p = 0.02). Group A had a higher rate of in-hospital death (31.9% versus 15.8%, p = 0.04). Among patients who had an indication for valvular surgery, the in-hospital mortality rate for those who underwent valvular surgery was 16.7% in group A, and 7.9% in group B (p = 0.4), compared to those who did not undergo surgery (71.4% versus 33.3%, p = 0.04). Amongst survivors, hospital stay was on average 9.2 d longer in group A (38.9 versus 29.7 d, p = 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed association between lower survival and valvular perforation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.95), that was lost after adjusting for hemodialysis. Valve perforation complicating LNVIE is associated with hemodialysis, severe valvular insufficiency, and significant morbidity and mortality. Compared to conservative management, early surgical intervention is associated with improved survival.

Aortic posterior wall perforation with automatic aortic cutter during routine off-pump coronary bypass grafting

Aortic complications are very rare during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). When they occur, the mortality is high. We report a case of perforation of the posterior aortic wall after punching out the hole in the ascending aorta with an automatic aortic cutter to avoid clamping for the proximal anastomosis during a routine OPCAB procedure. The consequence was a massive hemorrhage, emergency conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass and replacement of the aortic valve and of the ascending aorta.

Risk of Aortic Root or Ascending Aorta Complications in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve With and Without Coarctation of the Aorta

The actual incidence of ascending aorta complications (AACs) in adults with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and the role of associated coarctation of the aorta (COA) as an independent risk factor for AACs remain unknown. From the Adult Congenital Heart Disease database at La Paz Hospital, 631 patients in whom a BAV was diagnosed by echocardiography or surgical inspection since December 1989 were identified. These patients were then further subdivided into 2 groups according to the presence of an associated COA. AACs included aortic aneurysms (ascending aorta > or =55 mm) and aortic dissection, rupture, or perforation. Patients with a BAV and COA had a greater prevalence of AACs (8.0%) than those with an isolated BAV (3.7%; p = 0.037). The coexistence of COA was the only significant predictor of AACs (odds ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 15; p = 0.01). From the total patient group with a BAV, the clinical and echocardiographic data were reviewed for 341 patients without an AAC at baseline (97 with and 244 without COA) who had undergone serial examinations >1 year apart. The median follow-up was 7 years (interquartile range 3.5 to 10.2; total 2,436 patient-years). A new AAC occurred in 13 patients (0.5/100 patient-years). The incidence of AACs was 1.3/100 patient-years in the COA group versus 0.2/100 patient-years in the non-COA group (hazard ratio 7.5, 95% confidence interval 2.0 to 28, p = 0.002). All acute aortic events (dissection or rupture) at follow-up occurred in patients with a BAV and COA. In conclusion, the long-term incidence of AACs in patients with isolated BAV is low, but patients with BAV and associated COA are at increased risk.

Stentless Bioprosthesis Provided Excellent Hemodynamic Performance in a Military Scuba Diver With Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge that ultimately requires surgical intervention in 20% of all cases. Surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis requires not only hemodynamic repair, but also special emphasis on the eradiation of the infectious focus to prevent recurrence. This goal can be achieved by the combination of aggressive debridement of infective tissue and appropriate and adequate antibiotic treatment. We report a case of Streptococcus viridans induced aortic valve perforation related to aortic valve and root endocarditis, which was successfully treated with aortic root replacement using stentless bioprosthesis. This bioprosthesis thus seems to be a valuable option for active endocarditis, provides excellent hemodynamics with low gradients. Acceptable operative risk can be achieved by full root stentless valve replacement in physically active patients such as divers.

Proximal aortic perforation after endovascular repair of a type B dissection in a patient with Marfan syndrome

Several successful cases of endovascular treatment of type B dissections in patients with Marfan syndrome have been reported. In our patient with Marfan syndrome, a type B dissection was successfully treated endovascularly. Three weeks after this procedure, a computed tomographic angiography (CTA) revealed a perforation of the aortic wall distal to the left subclavian artery by a bare strut of the stent graft. A second stent graft was placed to treat this complication. In patients with Marfan syndrome, complications might be prevented by using stent grafts specifically developed to treat dissections. However, specific complications, eg, perforation, must be taken into account and patients have to be followed attentively.

Perforation of the aortic sinus after closure of atrial septal defects with the Atriasept occluder

Percutaneous atrial septal defect closure is routinely performed nowadays because of the ease of implantation as well as the low complication rate. The Atriasept ASD occluder is a low profile, double disc device; over the years several modifications have been made. We report two cases of aortic sinus perforation by the Atriasept ASD occluder (model 2007). Two asymptomatic patients, in whom the device was implanted, were noticed to have metal projecting into the aorta. Real-time fluoroscopy showed fractures of the outer metal ring with abnormal movement of one of the struts of the device. One patient is being conservatively managed and in the other the device was surgically removed due to the presence of a second ASD, which needed closure. Transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy may be necessary to identify this potentially life-threatening complication of this device.

Superior Vena Cava Perforation Following the Placement of a Superior Vena Cava Filter in Males Less than 60 Years of Age

Although the utility of the superior vena cava (SVC) filter remains controversial, the safety and efficacy of SVC filters in patients with upper extremity deep venous thrombosis in whom anticoagulation is contraindicated or ineffective have been well described. However, few complications have been reported. Herein we describe a series of three cases of SVC perforation in three young males following the placement of SVC filters. All three patients had deep venous thrombosis on upper extremity duplex ultrasonography and contraindication to anticoagulation (n = 1) or failure of anticoagulation (n = 2). Cardiac tamponade was demonstrated on transthoracic echocardiography in all three cases. The pericardial effusion was evacuated with either median sternotomy or pericardiocentesis in two cases. One of the patients died of cardiac arrest, and an autopsy showed aortic perforation in addition to the SVC perforation. This patient underwent chest compression following the cardiac arrest. One patient was lost to follow-up, and the other patient remained asymptomatic at the 1-year follow-up. This is the first case of SVC perforation that is associated with aortic perforation after the placement of an SVC filter. Owing to this occurrence, one has to be aware of these life-threatening complications when placing an SVC filter, especially in males less than 60 years of age.

Thoracic Aortic Stent-Grafts: Utility of Multidetector CT for Pre- and Postprocedure Evaluation

Indications for and experience with placement of endovascular stent-grafts in the thoracic aorta are still evolving. Common pathologic conditions of the thoracic aorta that are amenable to stent placement include penetrating ulcers, aortic dissection, aortic aneurysms, aortic rupture, and congenital abnormalities. Advances in multidetector computed tomography (CT) permit high-quality two-dimensional multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional rendering, which are essential for comprehensive assessment of the thoracic aorta. The ability of multidetector CT to allow detailed evaluation in any plane or perspective enables detection of thoracic aortic disease and assessment of its relationship to normal vessels. Potential complications of endovascular stent placement include endoleaks, stent migration, pseudoaneurysms, dissection, aortic perforation, kinking, thrombosis, and coverage of vital branch vessels. It is important for the radiologist to not only detect pathologic conditions of the thoracic aorta but also to provide the referring clinician with the necessary pre- and postprocedure information to determine appropriate clinical care.

Rupture of Ascending Aorta Secondary to Esophageal Perforation by Fish Bone

Perforations of both esophagus and aorta after swallowing foreign bodies have been described, with aorto-esophageal fistulas at the level of the descending aorta or aortic arch. We present the case of a 48-year-old man with esophageal perforation by fish bone, mediastinitis, and evidence of perforation of the ascending aorta during surgical drainage of the mediastinum. At autopsy, a fish bone was found under the aortic arch. Serial histological macrosections of the mediastinic block allowed reconstruction of the type of injury suffered and a thorough analysis of mediastinic structures, with preservation of topographic relationships. Direct demonstration of the perforation of the posterior wall of ascending aorta was provided. Histological examination ascribed aortic perforation to migration of the fish bone and direct injury. This is the first anatomical and pathological study of an autopsy case of perforation of the ascending aorta by fish bone.

Late complication from a retrievable inferior vena cava filter with associated caval, aortic, and duodenal perforation: A case report

Inferior vena cava filters are an excellent therapeutic method for those patients in whom anticoagulant therapy is contraindicated or ineffective. However, filter placement is associated with a high rate of serious complications (>30%), with death occurring in 3.7% of patients. The most common complication is an asymptomatic inferior vena cava penetration and perforation. In some rare circumstances, however, therapeutic intervention may be required because of perforation of adjacent organs. We report a clinical case of a patient with simultaneous caval, duodenal, and aortic perforation resulting from penetration of inferior vena cava filter hooks. A brief review of the literature discusses presenting symptoms and treatment of such rare complications.