Minimally invasive coronary artery surgery--a word of caution.
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Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗
Biomedical subjects
H J Safi
Publications and source records attributed to H J Safi.
Pathologic correlates of aortic plaques, thrombi and mobile "aortic debris" imaged in vivo with transesophageal echocardiography.
OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the pathologic correlates of aortic atheromas, thrombi and mobile "aortic debris" imaged in vivo by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic plaques with various complexity, thrombi and debris are frequently identified by TEE during imaging of the aorta. However, pathologic data to characterize these lesions imaged in vivo are lacking. METHODS: Intraoperative TEE was performed prospectively in 31 patients undergoing repair of aortic aneurysm or dissection. TEE was used to guide the surgeon to mark aortic areas of interest that were sent for pathologic examination. A four-point scoring system was used for both TEE and pathologic evaluation to grade the degree of involvement of the aortic wall with atheroma. Ultrasound video intensity of the aortic wall lesions was measured and compared with quantitative measures of wall composition at pathologic examination. The presence of thrombi and mobile aortic debris by TEE was noted and compared with pathologic findings. RESULTS: Histologic-TEE correlations were possible in 62 aortic segments. There was 73% exact agreement between TEE and pathologic grading. Discrepancies were mostly in the inability of TEE to detect superficial ulcerations. However, separation of normal aorta and minimal intimal thickening (grades I and II) from more complex atheromas (grades III and IV) was observed in 93%. For identification of thrombus, TEE had a sensitivity of 91% (29 of 32 segments) and a specificity of 90% (27 of 30 segments). Mobile aortic debris were identified in six aortic segments and were confirmed at pathologic examination to be thrombi. Ultrasound video intensity increased with worsening complexity of atheroma and related significantly to aortic plaque composition at pathologic evaluation (r = 0.80, p < 0.0001). Ultrasound intensity of thrombi and mobile debris was similar and was lower than that of complex atheromas. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, in the evaluation of aortic pathologic segments, TEE can assess aortic plaque complexity and identify thrombus formation, findings that may have important therapeutic implications.
Aorta↗
Observations on delayed neurologic deficit after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
PURPOSE: To describe the phenomenon of delayed-onset neurologic deficit after thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and to discuss management of this type of deficit in a case series. METHODS: Since September 1992 we have used cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion routinely to reduce the risk of neurologic deficit in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm patients. All patent intercostal arteries were reattached when this was technically feasible. Delayed neurologic complications occurred in eight patients who underwent operation for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm between September 1992 and March 1997, between 1 and 14 days after awakening from anesthesia. All patients had immediate cerebrospinal fluid drainage on recognition of their symptoms. RESULTS: Patients were evaluated by an independent neurologist and were classified by a modified Tarlov score between 0 and 5. All eight patients improved at least two points by discharge. The mean change in Tarlov score from onset to discharge was 2.4 +/- 1.1 (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebrospinal fluid drainage significantly improved late-onset neurologic deficit that occurred between 1 day and 2 weeks after operation in our series. Immediate drainage should be considered when signs of neurologic deficit first begin to appear.
Adult↗
Mucopolysaccharidosis presenting as pediatric multiple aortic aneurysm: first reported case.
Within the pediatric population, the rare aortic aneurysm is most often brought on by congenital cardiovascular malformation or connective tissue disorder, trauma, inflammatory disease, or infection. Thus our 8-year-old patient who had multiple aortic aneurysms and evidence of mucopolysaccharidosis presented a doubly unique case. Three and one-half months after the patient underwent emergency aortic valve replacement, we performed resection and graft replacement of both her descending thoracic aorta and thoracoabdominal aorta. Histologic analysis of the aneurysm wall displayed severe medial degeneration with large deposits of acid mucopolysaccharides. Subsequent evaluation, although negative for connective tissue disorders, showed glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate, and heparan sulfate in the patient's urine. These findings are diagnostic for a heterogeneous group of storage diseases termed mucopolysaccharidoses, although testing of the patient's cultured fibroblasts failed to reveal any specific previously described enzymatic defect. After reviewing the literature, we believe that this is the first known successfully treated pediatric aortic aneurysm associated with mucopolysaccharidosis.
Aorta↗
Cerebral spinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion decrease the incidence of neurological deficit: the results of 343 descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs.
OBJECTIVE: We reviewed our experience of 343 descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs to determine the impact of the adjuncts distal aortic perfusion and cerebral spinal fluid drainage on neurological deficit and death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1991 and March 1996, 104 (30%) patients were operated for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm type I, 118 (34%) for type II, 68 (20%) for type III or type IV, and 53 (15%) for descending thoracic type. Before September 1992, simple cross-clamp was used for 94 (27%) patients. After September 1992, adjuncts were used for 186 (54%) patients. RESULTS: Overall neurological deficit was 33/343 (10%). Neurological deficit for simple cross-clamp patients compared to adjunct patients was 15/94 (16%) vs. 12/186 (7%) (O.R. 0.36, p < 0.01). For types I and II the incidence was 11/52 (21%) vs. 12/141 (9%) (O.R. 0.35, p < 0.02) and for type II, nine out of 22 (41%) vs. 11/85 (13%) (O.R. 0.21, p < 0.003). Overall 30-day mortality was 43/343 (13%), including patients presenting with rupture. Excluding these patients, overall 30-day mortality was 33/322 (10%). CONCLUSION: Cerebral spinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion decreased the incidence of neurological deficit and were particularly effective for patients at highest risk with type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.
Adolescent↗
Staged repair of extensive aortic aneurysm: improved neurologic outcome.
OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the adjuncts for brain and spinal cord protection and modifications of operative techniques. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Two-staged repair--the "elephant trunk" technique--has provided the means for successful repair of massive aortic aneurysms, although historically morbidity has been high. METHODS: Between February 1991 and February 1996, we operated on 512 patients for thoracic aortic aneurysm. Preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative predictors of morbid outcomes were studied in 63 patients treated with the elephant trunk technique. Data were analyzed by contingency table methods. RESULTS: After stage 1, there were no strokes among patients who received retrograde cerebral perfusion (0 of 53), two strokes occurred among patients who did not receive retrograde cerebral perfusion (2 of 10 [20%]), and early mortality occurred in 4 of the 63 patients (6%). Interval mortality occurred in 6 of 59 patients (10%); 3 (50%) of these 6 deaths were due to distal aortic aneurysm rupture. Thirty-eight patients have undergone stage two repair thus far. There was no incidence of neurologic deficit after stage 2, and early mortality occurred in 1 of the 38 patients (3%). CONCLUSIONS: Extensive aortic aneurysm can be successfully treated using the elephant trunk technique. In this group of patients, retrograde cerebral perfusion eliminated neurologic complications.
Adult↗
Lipoprotein(a) in plasma, arterial wall, and thrombus from patients with aortic aneurysm.
The plasma concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is highly correlated with the incidence of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. A positive physiological role for Lp(a) has not yet been clearly identified, although elevated plasma levels in pregnant women, long-distance runners, subjects given growth hormone, patients after cardiovascular surgery, and patients with cancer, diabetes, or renal disease suggest its involvement in tissue synthesis and repair. The hypothesis that Lp(a) is involved in repair/reinforcement of the aorta was tested in 38 patients undergoing surgery for aortic aneurysm. In 29 patients 1 day before surgery, the mean plasma Lp(a) protein level was 10.7 mg/dl. At about 1, 2, and 8 weeks after surgery, the level was 14.1, 15.1, and 15.2 mg/dl, respectively. These levels are significantly higher than those of a comparable group of normal subjects (6.4 mg/dl; n = 274). Specimens of resected aortic aneurysm showed extensive medial degeneration, discontinuous elastic fibers, and deposition of mucopolysaccharides; these specimens were treated with a detergent-containing buffer to extract entrapped lipoproteins. The mean Lp(a) protein level in aortic wall extracts was 14.6 ng/mg tissue; these individual values were significantly associated with plasma Lp(a) levels before surgery (r2 = 0.31, p = 0.0003). The mean Lp(a) protein level in aortic thrombus extracts was substantially higher at 69.6 ng/mg tissue; these individual levels also were significantly associated with plasma Lp(a) concentrations before surgery (r2 = 0.68, p < 0.0001). The observations that: (i) plasma Lp(a) protein is about 1.7-fold higher in patients with aortic aneurysms than in normal subjects; and (ii) that Lp(a) protein in the aneurysmic thrombus is about 4.8-fold higher than in the aortic wall suggest that this lipoprotein plays a significant and direct role in thrombus formation and in reinforcement of the aneurysmic aortic wall.
Adolescent↗
Predictive factors for acute renal failure in thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors associated with acute renal failure in total descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. METHODS: A total of 234 patients underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm or total descending thoracic aneurysm repair between January 1991 and January 1994. Eighty-five women and 149 men were evaluated. The median age was 67 years (range 8 to 88 years). Seventy-seven patients had type I thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, 99 had type II, 51 had type III or IV, and 7 had total descending thoracic aneurysm. Factors such as age, sex, aneurysm type, and visceral and distal aortic perfusion were examined with univariate fourfold table and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Acute renal failure, defined as an increase in serum creatinine by 1 mg/dl per day for two consecutive days after surgery, occurred in 41 (17.5%) of 234 patients. Thirty-six (15%) of 234 patients required dialysis. Twenty (49%) of 41 patients with acute renal failure died. Of the 21 survivors with renal failure, renal failure resolved in 18 (86%) within 30 days of surgery. The univariate odds ratio of death, given acute renal failure, was 6.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.2 to 14.2, p < 0.0001). No significant association was found between the probability of acute renal failure and age, sex, hypertension, right renal artery reattachment, or renal bypass. Factors associated with increased risk of acute renal failure in multivariate analysis were visceral perfusion (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6 95%, CI 1.2 to 11.0, p < 0.02), left renal artery reattachment (OR = 4.4 95%, CI 1.6 to 11.9, p < 0.004), preoperative creatinine > or = 2.8 mg/dl (OR = 10.3, 95% CI 12.0 to 411.8, p < 0.0001), and simple clamp technique (OR = 3.4 95%, CI 1.07 to 10.76, p < 0.04). Direct univariate correlation was seen between preoperative creatinine and acute renal failure (OR = 3.2 per mg/dl increase, 95% CI 2.7 to 10.1, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative acute renal failure after thoracoabdominal and total descending thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery is associated with preoperative creatinine level, visceral perfusion, left renal artery reattachment, and simple cross-clamp technique.
Acute Kidney Injury↗
Cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion: reducing neurologic complications in repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm types I and II.
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage and distal aortic perfusion (DAP) in the prevention of postoperative neurologic complications for high-risk patients who had undergone type I and type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. METHODS: CSF drainage and DAP were used as an adjunct in the treatment of 94 patients with TAAA (31 type I, 63 type II) between September 1992 and December 1994; 67 were men and 27 were women. The median age was 64 years (range, 28 to 88 years). Aortic dissection occurred in 35 of 94 patients (37%). Thirty-six of 94 patients (38%) had previously undergone proximal aortic surgery. All patients underwent intraoperative DAP and perioperative CSF drainage. Median aortic cross-clamp time was 67 minutes (range, 20 to 131 minutes). RESULTS: The 30-day survival rate was 90% (85 of 94 patients). Early neurologic complications occurred in 5 of 94 patients (5%), and late neurologic complications occurred in 3 of 94 patients (3%). We compared the neurologic complications of our current group of 94 patients with the data from 42 patients (control group) who also underwent repair of TAAA type I and type II with only simple cross-clamp and without CSF drainage or DAP. Both groups were treated by the senior author (HJS) at the same institution. Total neurologic complications for the current group occurred in 8 of 94 patients (9%) versus 8 of 42 patients (19%) for the control group (p=0.090). Neurologic complications for patients with type II TAAA occurred in 8 of 63 patients (13%) versus 17 of 42 patients (41%) (p=0.014). For all patients with aortic clamp times >or=45 minutes, neurologic complications occurred in 7 of 55 (13%) versus 7 of 18 (39%) (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: The period of risk during aortic cross-clamp time is reduced with the adjuncts of CSF drainage and DAP, which significantly lower the incidence of neurologic complications after repair of TAAA types I and II.
Adult↗
Role of the BioMedicus pump and distal aortic perfusion in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
We reviewed the role of the BioMedicus pump in the reduction of neurologic complications following the repair of Type 1 and Type 2 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Since 1991, we have used several different methods for the repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms including simple cross-clamping, selective use of the BioMedicus pump, cardiopulmonary bypass with or without profound hypothermia, and most recently, distal aortic perfusion using the BioMedicus pump combined with cerebral spinal fluid drainage. This latter method has been the most promising in rectifying the side effects of aortic clamping and in providing the time necessary for thorough thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. On our service, the ongoing study of the BioMedicus pump and distal aortic perfusion in conjunction with cerebral spinal fluid drainage has shown that these adjuncts can extend the tolerance of the spinal cord to ischemia and lower the overall rate of neurologic complications for Type 1 and Type 2 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs to a rate of 5% (early results) and 3% (late results). We highly recommend distal aortic perfusion using the BioMedicus pump combined with cerebral spinal fluid drainage for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗
Repeat replacement of aortic valve bioprosthesis.
We describe a safe and simple technique for replacing an aortic valve bioprosthesis in a patient who also had a previously implanted ascending aortic graft and multiple coronary artery bypass grafts. This method allows for isolated valve replacement without removal of the ascending aortic graft or alteration of the coronary artery bypass graft attachments.
Aged↗
Retrograde cerebral perfusion during profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest in pigs.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of retrograde cerebral perfusion via the superior vena cava during profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest (CA) in pigs. In three groups of 5 pigs each, group A (control) underwent cardiopulmonary bypass and normothermic CA for 1 hour, group B underwent cardiopulmonary bypass, profound hypothermia, and CA (15 degrees C nasopharyngeal) for 1 hour, and group C underwent the same procedure as group B plus retrograde cerebral perfusion. In group A none awoke. In group B, 2 of 5 did not awake and 3 of 5 awoke unable to stand, 2 with perceptive hind limb movement and 1 moving all extremities. In group C all awoke, 4 of 5 able to stand and 1 of 5 unable to stand but moving all limbs. In neurologic evaluation group B had significantly lower Tarlov scores than group C (p = 0.0090). Group B mean wake-up time, plus or minus standard error of the mean, was 124.6 +/- 4.6 minutes versus 29.2 +/- 5.1 in group C (p = 0.0090). In group B late phase CA cerebral blood flow dropped 30.9% +/- 4.8%, but in group C it rose 24.7% +/- 9.3% (p = 0.0007, pooled variance t test, two-tailed). In group B late phase CA brain oxygenation decreased 46.0% +/- 13.9% but it increased 26.1% +/- 5.4% in group C (p = 0.0013). This difference was reduced somewhat during rewarming (B, -21.2% +/- 14.9%; C, 16.4% +/- 4.7%; p = 0.043). Group B rewarming jugular venous O2 saturation was 30.8% +/- 2.5% versus 56.0% +/- 4.4% in group C (p = 0.0011). We conclude that in pigs retrograde cerebral perfusion combined with profound hypothermia during CA significantly reduces neurologic dysfunction, providing superior brain protection.
Animals↗
Thoracoabdominal aneurysms.
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Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗
Hypothermia and cardiopulmonary bypass during resection of extensive arteriovenous malformation followed by microvascular reconstruction.
A patient is presented in whom hypothermic hypoperfusion and cardiopulmonary bypass were used to aid in resection of a mandibular arteriovenous malformation. This was followed by immediate microvascular reconstruction using a fibular osteocutaneous microvascular free tissue transfer. Prior attempted resection after highly selective embolization had proved inadequate. We found that the operative field, using hypothermic hypoperfusion was bloodless and enabled safe, rapid excision of the malformation. After patient rewarming, microvascular reconstruction was readily performed. No neurologic sequelae resulted, and no recurrence of the malformation has been noted.
Adolescent↗
Torsion, necrosis, and inflammation of an epiploic appendix of the large bowel: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma.
We present the case of a young patient with abdominal pain of 3 weeks' duration and a preoperative presumptive diagnosis of acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, colon perforation, or possibly neoplasm. Even after resection of a large mass involving the right colon, the diagnosis was not confirmed until surgical pathology identified torsion, partial necrosis, and inflammation of an epiploic appendix of the right colon.
Adult↗
Influence of segmental arteries, extent, and atriofemoral bypass on postoperative paraplegia after thoracoabdominal aortic operations.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to study the influence of either reattachment or oversewing of patient segmental intercostal or lumbar arteries, extent of aneurysm, and atriofemoral bypass on the incidence of postoperative paraplegia/paraparesis in patients at high risk with type I or II thoracoabdominal aneurysms. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on 99 patients undergoing type I or II thoracoabdominal aneurysm repairs, including exact extent of repair and whether atriofemoral bypass ws used. Patency of intercostal arteries from T3 to T12 and lumbar arteries from L1 to L4 were checked by intraoperative inspection. If the arteries were patent, note was taken of whether they were reattached to the new aortic prosthesis. Postoperative neurologic motor function was graded daily for the first 5 days, and the worst score in the first 30 postoperative days (POD) was used for analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-five of 99 (96%) patients were 30-day survivors. By POD 30, 31 of 98 (32%) patients had had a neurologic deficit. There was no difference in the incidence of deficits according to whether lumbar or intercostal arteries were reattached, ignoring the effect of patency of the arteries. Of greater importance, however, was whether patent segmental arteries were oversewn at specific levels. Thus, for patients who had one or more arteries at T11, T12, or L1 oversewn (often because they could not be reattached), a deficit developed in 11 of 23 (48%) patients versus 20 of 75 (27%) patients who did not have patent arteries or had all patient arteries reattached (p = 0.05, odds ratio = 2.5). More specifically, if all arteries at this level were oversewn, a neurologic deficit developed in 63% of patients versus 23% if all their arteries were reattached (p = 0.01). Reattachment of patent arteries at individual levels from T7 to L4 showed a trend toward a lower risk of deficits but did not reach statistical significance. On multivariate analysis, atriofemoral bypass was associated with a lower risk of paralysis (p = 0.068), and significantly so when controlled for age (p = 0.0329, odds ratio 0.287). Subgrouping of extent type I thoracoabdominal aneurysms resulted in an incidence of paralysis of 14% (3/22) for subgroup A and 23% (5 of 22) for subgroup B compared with 43% (23 of 55) for type II thoracoabdominal aneurysms (type I [8 of 44 18%], versus type II [p = 0.0097]). CONCLUSION: Patients with no or few patent segmental arteries in the aortic segment being replaced have a lower risk of neurologic deficits, compared with those with patent arteries. Every effort should be made to reattach all arteries at T11, T12, and L1 and, when possible within the constraints of technical feasibility and time, also those from T7 to L4. Preoperative angiography or intraoperative hydrogen testing may better identify the arteries that need to be reattached. When feasible, atriofemoral bypass appears to be protective, particularly when sequential clamping and segmental repairs can be performed.
Adult↗
Neurologic deficit in patients at high risk with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: the role of cerebral spinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion.
PURPOSE: This prospective study evaluated the possible prevention of postoperative neurologic deficit in patients at high risk with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA), types I and II, by use of perioperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion. METHODS: Between September 18, 1992, and August 8, 1993, 45 consecutive patients underwent TAAA repair (14 type I, 31 type II). Thirty-six were men and nine were women. The median age was 63 years (range 28 to 88). Twenty-four of 45 patients (53%) had dissection and 17 of 45 (38%) had prior proximal aortic replacement. All patients underwent perioperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion. Median aortic clamping time was 42 minutes. Thirty-five of 45 patients (78%) underwent intercostal artery reattachment. RESULTS: The 30-day survival rate was 96% (43 of 45 patients). Early neurologic deficit occurred in two of 45 patients (4%), and late neurologic deficit also occurred in two of 45 patients (4%). We compared the neurologic deficit of our current group of 45 patients with the data of a previously unpublished study of 112 patients also from this center. Total neurologic deficit for the current group was four of 45 (9%) versus the previous group of 35 of 112 (31%) with a p value of 0.0034 (Pearson chi-square test). Neurologic deficit for patients with type I TAAA was 0 of 14 (0%) versus 15 of 73 (21%) (p = 0.062); for patients with type II TAAA 4 of 31 (13%) versus 20 of 39 (51%) (p = 0.0008). In patients with aortic dissection, neurologic deficit was 3 of 24 (12%) versus 9 of 32 (28%) (p = 0.0304); no dissection was 1 of 21 (5%) versus 26 of 80 (32%) (p = 0.011). For aortic clamp times less than 45 minutes, neurologic deficit was 1 of 24 (4%) versus 14 of 68 (21%) (p = 0.061); for aortic clamp times equal to or greater than 45 minutes, neurologic deficit was 3 of 21 (14%) versus 21 of 44 (48%) (p = 0.0090). CONCLUSION: Neurologic deficit in patients treated for types I and II TAAA was reduced significantly by perioperative cerebral spinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion.
Adult↗
Pernicious anemia manifesting as angina pectoris.
Here we describe a case of angina pectoris in a patient for whom an extensive cardiovascular workup was done, with negative results. Eventually, the cause of his symptoms was found to be pernicious anemia. Although angina is an uncommon manifestation of pernicious anemia, a review of the literature suggests that the correlation between anemia and angina has been well described. Our case highlights an important differential diagnosis to consider for patients with exercise-induced chest pain and serves to emphasize the attention that should be focused on simple screening laboratory studies. The emphasis in this case is the sequence in which the studies are done. A simple complete blood count with proper interpretation and intervention at the outset of evaluation could possibly have prevented a number of unnecessary, invasive, and costly studies.
Aged↗