Elephant Trunk Research Articles

Optimal size of Frozenix for true thoracic aneurysms: is downsizing an option?

During total arch replacement (TAR) using frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique with Frozenix for true thoracic aortic aneurysm (tTAA), oversized FET tends to be chosen similar to the endovascular devise selection. However, the oversized FET is considered a risk factor for intimal injury. The appropriate size selection of FET remains insufficiently understood. Between October 2014 and March 2022, a total of 49 patients underwent TAR using Frozenix for tTAA. Out of 49 patients, four patients planned to staged surgery were excluded, 19 patients were operated on with an undersized Frozenix compared with the descending aorta (undersized FET group) and in 26 patients an equal or oversized Frozenix was used (oversized FET group). Clinical outcomes and postoperative diameter changes were investigated. In-hospital mortality was 0%. The mean diameter of Frozenix and the descending aorta was 30.7mm and 28.8mm, respectively, in the oversized FET group, and 26.7mm and 30.1mm in the undersized FET group. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) demonstrated no endoleaks not only in the oversized FET group but also in the undersized FET group. CT also revealed that undersized FET had expanded more than the original diameter in all cases except for two, with an average of 2.47 ± 1.53mm. Additionally, the descending aorta covered with Frozenix shrank in 10 patients (53%). Postoperative adverse aortic events were not observed. Undersized Frozenix tightly fit the descending aorta and resulted in complete sealing without endoleaks. Oversized FET is not strictly necessary considering the size-related adverse complications.

Gearing in a hydrostatic skeleton: the tube feet of juvenile sea stars (Leptasterias sp.).

Hydrostatic skeletons, such as an elephant trunk or a squid tentacle, permit the transmission of mechanical work through a soft body. Despite the ubiquity of these structures among animals, we generally do not understand how differences in their morphology affect their ability to transmit muscular work. Therefore, the present study used mathematical modeling, morphometrics, and kinematics to understand the transmission of force and displacement in the tube feet of the juvenile six-rayed star (Leptasterias sp.). An inverse-dynamic analysis revealed that the forces generated by the feet during crawling primarily serve to overcome the submerged weight of the body. These forces were disproportionately generated by the feet at more proximal positions along each ray, which were used more frequently for crawling. Owing to a combination of mechanical advantage and muscle mass, these proximal feet exhibited a greater capacity for force generation than the distal feet. However, the higher displacement advantage of the more elongated distal feet offer a superior ability to extend the feet into the environment. Therefore, the morphology of tube feet demonstrates a gradient in gearing along each ray that compliments their role in behavior.

A compliant and strong robotic manipulator that looks and works like an elephant trunk

A compliant and strong robotic manipulator that looks and works like an elephant trunk

768. ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF COMPLEX THORACIC AORTA ANEURYSMAL SAC AND ENDOGRAFT INFECTION ASSOCIATED WITH AORTOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA

Abstract Background Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but life-threatening condition. Secondary AEF is a complex pathology occurring after thoracic aorta surgery with prosthetic graft, with an incidence of 1.6%. However, this is likely to rise with the increasing number of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) being performed. Management of secondary AEF is more challenging due to presence of adhesions in the pleural space, co-existing endograft infection and poor physiology of this group of patients. Definitive surgery carries high mortality rate and not all patients are suitable candidates. We review a case of secondary AEF with thoracic endograft infection managed non-operatively. Methods Our patient is a 70 years old man with a background of Stanford type A aortic dissection managed with ascending aorta and hemi-arch replacement with Dacron graft. Six years later, he had frozen elephant trunk reconstruction due to aneurysmal dilatation. Three months later, he underwent TEVAR for descending thoracic aorta aneurysm. Post-operation, he was diagnosed with Flavonifractor plautii bactaeremia secondary to infected aneurysmal sac and aortic stent graft and was initiated on antimicrobial therapy. During this time patient also developed recurrent episodes of haemoptysis. Bronchoscopy excluded an aortobronchial fistula and Oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) confirmed AEF at 25 cm from incisors. Results After discussion with a multidisciplinary team and patient, endoscopic management was chosen over surgery. Initial endoscopic closure of AEF with over-the-scope-clip appeared satisfactory but repeat OGD showed recurrence of new AEF which was partially closed with clips. Repeat imaging showed worsening mediastinal infection with larger gas-containing cavity. OGD was repeated with contrast demonstrating fistulous connection between the oesophagus and aneurysmal sac. A 7-French 4 cm double pigtail (DPT) stent was deployed into the sac under fluoroscopy to allow for trans-oesophageal drainage. Repeat imaging showed improvement in infection (Figure 1). Patient underwent endoscopic exchange of DPT stent 2 months after the initial insertion. Conclusion Definitive surgery for secondary AEF includes drainage of infection, explantation of infected endograft and aortic and oesophageal reconstruction. Oesophagectomy is preferred over primary repair of oesophageal defect. Not all patients will be suitable candidates for radical surgery and a non-operative approach may be required. Our patient likely has dense pleural and mediastinal adhesions from previous surgeries and thus, repeat surgery will be more challenging with increased risk of complications. However, if his mediastinal infection fails to resolve despite a period of DPT stent drainage, definitive surgery involving McKeown minimally invasive oesophagectomy with substernal gastric pull up would be required. Figure 1: Image A shows a large cavity with air and coalescent locules (arrow) prior to insertion of DPT stent. Image B shows a collapsed cavity (arrow) after DPT stent insertion.

Short-term outcomes of mild (≥30 ℃) vs. moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest in aortic arch surgery.

Hypothermia and antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) strategies in open aortic arch surgery (AAS) have improved significantly. The significance of the gradual temperature rise to mild hypothermia is quite apparent, however, its safety remains a challenge. Therefore, our objective was to explore the safety and efficacy of mild hypothermic circulatory arrest (Mi-HCA, ≥30 ℃). This retrospective cohort study enrolled in a total of 372 patients, and was performed at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 2017 and November 2022. Among the 372 patients, 81 received AAS at ≥30 ℃, and the remaining 291 received the same at 22-29.9 ℃. Most acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients received total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) operation. Mi-HCA patients exhibited strongly augmented systemic temperature (26.19±1.63 vs. 31.40±0.79 ℃, P<0.01). The surgical, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), cross-clamp, circulatory arrest, and ACP durations were drastically diminished among Mi-HCA patients (all P<0.01). Moreover, the major adverse events (MAEs) incidence of Mi-HCA patients was significantly decreased (25.43% vs. 14.81%, P<0.05). Simultaneously, the Mi-HCA strategy also exhibited enhanced protection of blood cells, as well as myocardial and hepatic function. Nevertheless, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Mi-HCA strategy (≥30 ℃) was not a stand-alone risk factor for MAEs following AAS. The short-term outcomes and safety of Mi-HCA, in combination with ACP, in AAS are satisfactory. Additionally, relative to the traditional moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) approach, it can substantially decrease operation duration while improving patient clinical outcomes.

Distal Repair After Total Aortic Arch Replacement With Frozen Elephant Trunk in Patients With Chronic Multilevel Thoracic Aortic Disease

Distal Repair After Total Aortic Arch Replacement With Frozen Elephant Trunk in Patients With Chronic Multilevel Thoracic Aortic Disease

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Reconstructed Time-To-Event Data of Frozen Elephant Trunk and Conventional Aortic Repair.

Frozen elephant trunk (FET) has gained popularity since its inception. Nevertheless, the optimal approach for managing aortic arch pathologies remains subject of debate. This meta-analysis compared outcomes between patients undergoing FET and those undergoing conventional aortic repair. Systematic searches were conducted up to February 2024. Pooled results of short and long-term outcomes were computed. A systematic review identified 21 non-randomized studies encompassing 3240 patients. Short-term mortality was lower in FET recipients than in those undergoing conventional repair (OR [95% CI] = 0.58 [0.44-0.78], P < .01). Postoperative paraplegia incidence was higher in the FET cohort (OR = 1.85 [1.02-3.34], P = .04), while subgroup analysis showed no difference between the two groups in patients with acute aortic dissection. Long-term all-cause mortality was lower among FET recipients. Subgroup analysis showed FET was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (HR = 0.55 [0.39-0.79], P < .01) and aortic re-intervention (HR = 0.62 [0.39-0.99], P = .05) in acute aortic dissection patients. This meta-analysis underscores the favorable association between the utilization of FET and improved short and long-term outcomes compared with conventional repair, while paraplegia incidence was higher in the FET group. FET appears to offer superior benefits, particularly evident in patients with acute aortic dissection.

CONSIDERATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL-FUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN THE COMPONENTS OF CALOT’S TRIANGLE IN ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE SPECIFIC LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY TECHNIQUE IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS

From 2018 to 2023, a study was conducted on 89 (100%) patients operated on for acute cholecystitis in the surgical department of the Storozhynets Multidisciplinary Hospital for Intensive Care.The goal is to study the clinical features of acute cholecystitis based on the results of surgical treatment in the general surgery department of a multidisciplinary district hospital for intensive care.Materials and methods. From 2018 to 2023, 89 patients who underwent surgery for acute cholecystitis were studied in the surgical department of the Storozhynets Multidisciplinary Hospital for Intensive Care. Clinical, laboratory, instrumental examinations, and surgical treatment were performed on 89 patients of various age groups (from 18 to 74 years) with manifestations of acute cholecystitis. The patients were divided into two groups. The diagnosis was confirmed clinically, laboratory, by instrumental methods, intraoperative examination, and histological study of the removed specimens. The state of changes in peripheral blood was assessed: the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin content, number of leukocytes, leukocyte formula, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and leukocyte intoxication index according to the Kalf-Kalif formula. Statistical processing of the material was performed using the t-test with the determination of the probability corresponding to the Student's t-criterion. When performing statistical processing, the arithmetic mean (M) and the reliability of differences in study results (p) relative to the indicators of different groups were calculated. The results were considered reliable when the confidence coefficient was less than or equal to 0.05.Results. The results of our laparoscopic cholecystectomies for grade I and II (moderate) severity of acute cholecystitis (according to the International Classification) showed a quantitative advantage in prioritizing the laparoscopic method of surgical intervention. However, in the presence of a purulent-inflammatory process in the hepatobiliary zone, priority is given to performing cholecystectomy by the "open method," involving highly experienced surgeons in the surgical team. This option of cholecystectomy is advisable mainly for severe acute cholecystitis (stage III of the pathological process) with a purulent-necrotic process in the hepatobiliary zone detected at the preoperative stage and in the case of peritonitis. Contraindications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy include chronic duodenal obstruction, gangrenous-perforative cholecystitis, and diffuse peritonitis. Considering the features of surgical tactics for treating acute cholecystitis confirms the need for its differentiated determination based on already developed tactical and therapeutic recommendations, the effectiveness of which is evidenced by the accumulated experience of the international school of surgeons and confirmed by our clinical results.Conclusions. 1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently performed for both chronic and acute cholecystitis. 2. The most optimal time for performing "laparoscopic cholecystectomy" is the first two days from the onset of the inflammatory process in the gallbladder. 3. Performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy considering anatomical landmarks according to the recommendations for "safe cholecystectomy" by Steven Strasberg (1992, 1995 - SVS) and Gary G. Wind (1999) is an effective component of successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis and in the early stages of acute inflammatory processes in the gallbladder. 4. For acute destructive cholecystitis, the "elephant trunk" technique is practically preferred.

Aortic Outcome after Implementation of a Treatment Strategy for Type B Aortic Dissection Involving the Aortic Arch

ObjectiveTo evaluate outcomes achieved after implementing a treatment strategy for non-A non-B (NANB) (B 1-2 D according to the latest consensus document of the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) acute aortic dissection (AAD). MethodsThis retrospective observational study adhered to the STROBE checklist. All cases of NANB AAD (B 1-2 D) treated at our Institution between January 2016 and December 2022 were reviewed. Morbidity, mortality, aortic-related reintervention, and remodelling were analysed. ResultsAmong 519 cases of acute aortic syndrome, n=22 (4.2%) patients presented with NANB AAD (B 1-2 D) (n=16,72.7% men, mean age 61.5 years+/14.7). Eleven cases were managed with best medical treatment (BMT) alone. Among them, one patient (9.1%) died suddenly two days after diagnosis for aortic rupture. Frozen elephant trunk procedure (FET) was required in the remaining 11 patients: 7(31.8%) needed emergent operation for risks of impending aortic rupture/retrograde AD extension and 4(26.7%) underwent delayed surgery within a month from initial presentation. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 9.1% with both FET and BMT. At a median follow-up of 40 months (range 2 days-200 months) no other deaths occurred. A statistically significant differences in the rate of FL thrombosis (100% vs 55.5%, p=.033) and a significant positive aortic remodelling in zone 3 (p<.001) and 4 (p=0.038) were reported in operated versus medically managed patients. ConclusionThe best treatment for NANB is not established. We advocate for medical stabilisation with an operative approach that favours open surgery in the acute post dissection period, promotes aortic remodelling and carries acceptable risk in centres where FET is performed routinely.

Outcomes of fenestrated frozen elephant trunk technique in 150 patients with acute type A aortic dissection

ObjectiveThe fenestrated frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique provides proximalization of distal anastomosis and antegrade blood flow into supra-aortic vessels through fenestration in a FET. We investigated the outcomes of the fenestrated FET technique in acute type A aortic dissection. MethodsWe evaluated 150 patients who underwent arch repair using the fenestrated FET technique for acute type A aortic dissection between July 2014 and January 2023. FET was deployed under hypothermic circulatory arrest and manually fenestrated under direct vision on the supra-aortic vessel aspect. Fenestration was performed for the left subclavian artery alone in 139 patients, 2 supra-aortic vessels in 9 patients, and total supra-aortic vessels in 2 patients. Fixation around fenestration site for endoleak prevention was performed in 48 patients. ResultsThe overall 30-day mortality rate was 4.7% (7 out of 150). Two patients developed paraparesis. Adequate blood flow into the supra-aortic vessels through fenestrations were confirmed in all patients at discharge. The false lumen thrombosis rate at the distal edge of FET was 96.6%. The median follow-up period was 28 months. The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rate was 89.1% and 84.5%, respectively. During the follow-up period, neither fenestration occlusion nor stroke was noted in the cerebral area perfused via the fenestration. Distal stent graft-induced new entry was noted in 2 patients. ConclusionsThe fenestrated FET technique is a straightforward and secure procedure for selected patients with acute type A aortic dissection. This technique can facilitate arch repair.

The frozen elephant trunk technique in acute aortic dissection: the ultimate solution? An institutional experience.

Acute aortic dissection remains a serious emergency in the field of cardiovascular medicine and a challenge for cardiothoracic surgeons. In the present study, we seek to compare the outcomes of different surgical techniques in the repair of type A acute aortic dissection. Between April 2015 and May 2023, 213 patients (82 women, aged: 63.9 ± 13.3 years) with acute aortic dissection (205 type A and 8 non-A-non-B dissections) underwent surgical treatment in our department. A total of 45 patients were treated with the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique supported by the Thoraflex™ Hybrid prosthesis, 33 received total aortic arch replacement (TAR)-standard or conventional elephant trunk-treatment, and 135 were treated with hemiarch replacement (HR). Aortic arch surgery was performed in most patients under moderate hypothermic (28°C on average) circulatory arrest, with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion through the right axillary artery. The rates of early mortality were 17.8% (38 perioperative deaths) in the whole population, 8.9% in the FET group of patients, and 33% and 17% in the TAR and HR group of patients, respectively (P-value 0.025). The rate of spinal cord injury was 2.3% (five patients), and a paresis of recurrent laryngeal occurred in 3.7% of patients (seven patients, four were treated with FET). Permanent neurological dysfunction occurred in 27 patients (12.7%). After a mean follow-up of 3 years, the rate of mid-term mortality of discharged patients was 19.4% (34 deaths: 7 FET, 4 TAR, and 23 HR) and the overall mortality rate was 33.8% [72 deaths: 11 FET (24.4%); 15 TAR (45.4%); 46 HR (34.1%)]. A total of 8 patients (17.8%) in whom FET was applied received additional endovascular treatment in the descending aorta. In our institutional experience, we found that the frozen elephant trunk technique with a high-end Thoraflex Hybrid prosthesis proved its surgical suitability in the treatment of acute aortic dissection with favorable outcomes. The FET technique and our perioperative management led to comparable neurological outcomes and reduced mortality rates in these emergency cases.

Early outcomes of total arch replacement in the treatment of aortic dissection

Abstract: Overview: Aortic dissection are severe pathologies with high mortality and complication rates post-surgery despite significant advancements in both diagnosis and surgical treatment. Aortic arch replacement surgery is a classic and highly effective treatment method at Cho Ray Hospital. Objectives: Describe clinical, paraclinical characteristics, postoperative results, general complications and early hospital mortality. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study. Results: 102 patients underwent aortic arch replacement surgery due to aortic dissection. Males predominated at 72.5%. The male:female ratio was 2.5:1. The average age was 56.45 ± 11.79 years. A history of hypertension was present in 81.4% of cases. Most patients with aortic dissection were admitted in an acute condition, accounting for 95%. Patients with type A aortic dissection accounted for 87.3%, with the entry tear in the ascending aorta at 27.5%. Isolated aortic arch replacement was performed in 46.1% of patients, while 53.9% underwent aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique. 7 patients required aortic root replacement, 7 needed aortic valve surgery, and 10 required CABG. Most patients were cooled to 25 degrees C with cerebral perfusion to three branches. Ascending aorta cannulation was established in 45.2% of cases. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 257.7 minutes, with selective cerebral perfusion time at 115.9 minutes and lower body circulatory arrest time averaging 57.2 minutes. Postoperative neurological complications occurred in 10.8%, and the rate of renal failure requiring dialysis was 17.8%. The mortality rate was 9.6%. Longer cardiopulmonary bypass times and body temperatures above 25 degrees significantly increased the rate of postoperative renal failure requiring dialysis. Patients with postoperative renal failure requiring dialysis had a statistically significant increase in postoperative mortality rates. Aortic root intervention surgery combined with arch replacement did not affect the rate of postoperative complications. Aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique did not affect cardiopulmonary bypass time, clamping time, or the rate of postoperative complications. Conclusions: Total arch replacement at Cho Ray Hospital initially showed a safe and effective with acceptable mortality rate.

Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure for Acute Type a Aortic Dissection: Analysis of Distal Aortic Remodeling According to the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)/Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Reporting Standard

ObjectiveTo investigate impact of Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET) on long-term distal aortic remodelling in acute AAD according to the latest recommended standards from the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)/Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). MethodsClinical data and imaging of patients undergone FET to treat acute AAD over the last 8 years were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if a pre- and post-operative Computed AngioTomographies at least 30-day from surgery was available for comparison. Contrasted postprocessed imaging were analysed with Aquarius iNtuition (TeraRecon Inc., Foster City, CA, USA) to analyse long-term positive aortic remodelling, FL thrombosis and aortic expansion according to the SVS/STS recommendations. Secondary endpoints were the rate of in-hospital and long-term mortality, spinal cord ischaemia and aortic-related reinterventions. ResultsOut of 75 patients who underwent FET for type A AAD, n=41(54.6%) were included. Significant positive aortic remodelling was reported in Ishimaru zone 1-4 but not in visceral/infrarenal aorta (p<0.001) and overall rate of FL thrombosis was 95.1% (n=39). Aortic expansion rates were: 4.9% in zones 1-4, 8.3% in zones 5-6 and 15% in zone 7. The rates of in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality were 7.3% (n=3) and 9.7% (n=4) respectively. At a median follow-up of 11 months (range 1-141, reintervention rate was 17.1%. ConclusionsWe report positive aortic remodelling of the distal thoracic aorta in patients who underwent FET for acute AAD according to the SVS/STS reporting standards. The positive effect on the distal aorta is limited to the thoracic segments but not in the visceral aorta.

Surgical Strategies in Reoperation of the Proximal Aorta and Arch for Patients with Previous Frozen Elephant Trunk.

Background: The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique is increasingly utilized for aortic arch replacement in cases of aortic dissections and aneurysms. This rise in usage has led to more patients needing redo aortic surgeries due to progression of existing conditions, FET-related complications, or new valvular/coronary diseases. This article aims to evaluate surgical techniques to minimize risks during these reoperations, including a case study of a complex redo surgery. Methods: A comprehensive examination of surgical strategies was conducted, focusing on preoperative preparation, cannulation site identification, cerebral and cardiac protective measures, and pitfalls to avoid. The importance of adapting to the modified anatomical landscape post-FET is emphasized. A detailed case study of a patient undergoing complex redo FET surgery is included. Results: The article identified key surgical strategies for reoperation in patients with prior FET, highlighting the importance of meticulous preoperative planning and execution. Techniques to minimize risks include detailed imaging for planning, strategic cannulation for optimal perfusion, multidisciplinary approaches as well as careful fail-safe measures. The case study demonstrates the practical application of these strategies in a high-risk scenario. The evidence underscores the necessity for individualized patient management and the development of standardized protocols. Conclusions: The FET technique, while effective for initial aortic arch repairs, often necessitates complex reoperations. Adopting advanced surgical strategies and multidisciplinary planning can significantly mitigate risks associated with these procedures. Future research should focus on refining these techniques and establishing standardized protocols to improve patient outcomes.

Neural Simulation of Actions for Serpentine Robots.

The neural or mental simulation of actions is a powerful tool for allowing cognitive agents to develop Prospection Capabilities that are crucial for learning and memorizing key aspects of challenging skills. In previous studies, we developed an approach based on the animation of the redundant human body schema, based on the Passive Motion Paradigm (PMP). In this paper, we show that this approach can be easily extended to hyper-redundant serpentine robots as well as to hybrid configurations where the serpentine robot is functionally integrated with a traditional skeletal infrastructure. A simulation model is analyzed in detail, showing that it incorporates spatio-temporal features discovered in the biomechanical studies of biological hydrostats, such as the elephant trunk or octopus tentacles. It is proposed that such a generative internal model could be the basis for a cognitive architecture appropriate for serpentine robots, independent of the underlying design and control technologies. Although robotic hydrostats have received a lot of attention in recent decades, the great majority of research activities have been focused on the actuation/sensorial/material technologies that can support the design of hyper-redundant soft/serpentine robots, as well as the related control methodologies. The cognitive level of analysis has been limited to motion planning, without addressing synergy formation and mental time travel. This is what this paper is focused on.

A bio-inspired strategy inspired by an elephant trunk to grip granules

Abstract The utilization of granular materials for transportation purposes has the potential to mitigate superfluous expenditures associated with the transportation process. Nevertheless, granular materials exhibit distinct flowability characteristics under specific circumstances, which can lead to challenges such as instability maintenance, intricate grasping tactics, and reduced efficiency throughout the grasping process. Hence, the grasping pattern of the trunk of the African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) was observed. Drawing inspiration from the aforementioned concept, this paper put forth a compelling approach centered around an air-powered flexible gripper platform comprising four distinct gripping stages. Our objective is to explore the correlation between the quantity of items and the supplementary pressure required to achieve successful gripping, while considering variations in object dimensions. This study has the potential to provide novel insights for enhancing the efficacy of granular material transportation through improved gripping mechanisms.

Urgent Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Type-B0,D Acute Aortic Dissection

The objective of the present study is to clarify safety and efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), excluding the primary entry in the descending aorta, for type-B0,D acute aortic dissection (TB0,DAAD) (so-called retrograde type-A acute aortic dissection). Forty-six patients with hyperacute-phase (within 2days after the onset) type-A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) and TB0,DAAD underwent urgent (on the admission or next day) intervention (TEVAR or conventional surgical aortic repair [CSAR]) for 2years. Results of TEVAR for TB0,DAAD were compared with those of CSAR for TAAAD. Outcomes included 30-day mortality, aortic reintervention, and major complications (stroke and paraplegia/paraparesis). Details of TEVAR were also analyzed. Seven patients with TB0,DAAD and 39 patients with TAAAD underwent respectively urgent TEVAR and CSAR. Aortic reintervention was significantly more frequent in the TEVAR than CSAR group (28.6% vs. 0%, P<0.01). There was no difference in incidence of death and stroke between the TEVAR and CSAR group. All the 7 patients survived and 5 of the 7 (71.4%) patients were relieved of aortic reintervention for 30days following TEVAR. One patient, however, underwent aortic arch replacement on postoperative day (POD) 1 owing to the patent and nonshrinking ascending false lumen (FL). The entry existed in the aortic arch. Another patient underwent ascending and transverse aortic replacement with frozen elephant trunk on POD13 due to proximal stent graft-induced new entry irrespective of the thrombosed and shrinking ascending FL. Because of the patent and nonshrinking ascending FL, 1 patient underwent additional TEVAR for the residual entry in the distal descending thoracic aorta on POD33 and subsequently ascending aortic replacement 4months later. No entry was detected in the ascending or transverse aorta. The ascending FL in the other 4 patients was thrombosed early, shrinking gradually, and disappeared at last following TEVAR. Urgent TEVAR for TB0,DAAD may be alternative to CSAR in selected cases. Accurate diagnosis of the primary entry location on preinterventional computed tomography scans for exclusion of the entry and cautious selection and delivery of a stent graft to prevent stent graft-induced new entry or endoleak are requisite for success of the procedure, remodeling of the FL, and satisfactory prognosis.

Does Higher Temperature During Moderate Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Increase the Risk of Paraplegia in Acute DeBakey I Aortic Dissection Patients?

BackgroundIn this study, we sought to assess the safety of high-moderate (24.1-28.0°C) and low-moderate (20.1-24.0°C) systemic hypothermia during circulatory arrest (MHCA) in patients with acute DeBakey I aortic dissection (DeBakey I AAD), particularly concerning spinal cord protection. MethodsFrom 2009 to 2020, 1759 patients with DeBakey I AAD who underwent frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement surgery at a tertiary centre were divided into preoperative malperfusion (viscera, spinal cord, or lower extremities) and nonmalperfusion subgroups. The baseline differences were balanced with the use of propensity score matching. Prognoses were compared between those who were subjected to high-MHCA (nasopharyngeal temperature 24.1-28.0°C) and low-MHCA (nasopharyngeal temperature 20.1-24.0°C). ResultsIn the nonmalperfusion subgroup (n = 1389), 469 pairs of matched patients showed lower in-hospital mortality and incidence of acute kidney injury in the high-MHCA group than in the low-MHCA group: in-hospital mortality 7.0% vs 10.2% (P = 0.01); acute kidney injury, 57.1% vs 64.6% (P < 0.01). The duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter in the high-MHCA group than that in the low-MHCA group (P = 0.03). No significant difference in the incidence of paraplegia was observed between the 2 groups. In the malperfusion subgroup (n = 370), 112 pairs of matched patients showed a higher incidence of paraplegia in the high-MHCA group than in the low-MHCA group (15.9% vs 6.5%; P = 0.04). ConclusionsThe safety of high-MHCA, a commonly used temperature management strategy during aortic arch surgery, was recognised in most patients with DeBakey I AAD. However, among patients with preoperative distal organ malperfusion, low-MHCA may be more appropriate owing to an increased risk of postoperative paraplegia associated with high-MHCA.

Tactics for Treating Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms using Hybrid and Endovascular Techniques in Patients with Concomitant Coronary Heart Disease

The presence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with aortic dissection increases the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications during aortic repair. Researches on the effect of IHD on the treatment outcomes of patients with type B aortic dissection have not been carried out often. Only single publications based on relatively small statistical material are devoted to this problem in the literature. The cohort of patients with aortic dissection and IHD is extremely complex, and surgical correction of this comorbid condition is still a controversial topic. The aim. To analyze the impact of IHD with prior correction of coronary artery lesions on the results of hybrid and endovascular treatment of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms. Materials and methods. From 2017 to 2023, on the basis of the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, 245 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm were treated using hybrid and endovascular techniques. Of these, 14 (5.7%) patients with coronary malperfusion underwent previous cor-rection of IHD either alone or in combination with prosthetics of the aortic valve, ascending aorta and arch of the aorta, initial section of the descending aorta (elephant trunk) with a good outcome. The comparison group included 30 (12.2%) patients who underwent endovascular or hybrid correction of the descending thoracic aorta without coronary pathology. Results. In the experimental group, 5 complications (42.9%) were detected (3 in the intraoperative period and 2 in the postoperative period). The frequency of complications of a similar nature in patients without concomitant IHD (com-parison group) was 13.3%. Endoleak type 1 was also dominant in this group. In most cases, it was eliminated by balloon dilatation of the stent graft. Only in 1 case, Endoleak type 1b was the reason for re-intervention with placement of an additional stent after 6 months. Conclusions. Studies show that the presence of even corrected IHD complicates the course of endovascular and hy-brid surgical treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms, as evidenced by significantly higher rates of postoperative compli-cations, longer length of stay in the intensive care unit, as well as time on mechanical ventilation. Preliminary myocardial revascularization in patients with IHD should be one of the main conditions for the endovas-cular treatment of aortic aneurysms, taking into account the specifics of performing such operations and the possibility of fatal complications with hemodynamically significant narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Paraplegie na ‘frozen elephant trunk’-chirurgie: een casus

Paraplegia after frozen elephant trunk surgery In contrast to surgery of the thoracoabdominal aorta, the complication of paraplegia due to spinal cord ischemia after a frozen elephant trunk procedure is less well-known. The aim of this case report is to carry this knowledge beyond the borders of the cardiac speciality. The deployment of the prosthesis, the induction of a circulatory arrest, perioperative hypotension, hypoxemia and reperfusion injury jeopardize the spinal blood flow. A ground understanding of the pathogenesis is a must for implementing adequate perioperative management guidelines to minimize the risk of this feared complication.