ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of pressure overload-induced heart failure via suprasternal notch approach. MethodsMale mice were separated into a sham group and an experiment group. Through suprasternal notch approach, the aortic arch port between the origin of the right innominate and left common carotid arteries was partially clipped with tantalum clip, which had a remaining opening of 0.35 mm or 0.25 mm in diameter to cause progres-sively increased afterload. Echocardiography was performed 10 weeks after aortic arch clipped or sham surgery to deter-mine left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular posterior wall end-diastolic thickness (LVPWD), ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). After hemodynamic recordings were completed, mouse body weight (BW) and heart weight (HW) were measured for obtaining HW/BW ratio (mg/g). After heart function examination, mice blood sample was collected for evaluation of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). At the end, part of left ventricular free wall was excised, and hematoxylin and eosin stain was made for histopathological examination. ResultsThe HW/BW, LVEDD and serum NT-proBNP significantly increased in the experiment group compared with those in the sham group (P < 0.01, respectively). The LVPWD, EF and FS significantly decreased compared with the sham group (P < 0.01, respectively). Histopathological examination showed malalignment and rupture of cardiac muscle fibers, hypertrophy and degeneration of myocardial cells, part of which had local or patchy necrosis in left ventricule postoperatively 10 weeks. ConclusionThe model of pressure overload-induced heart failure in mice established through suprasternal approach is simple, minimally invasive and reliable.
The conventional total arch replacement (cTAR) with frozen elephant trunk implantation is commonly regarded as the gold standard for aortic pathologies involving ascending aorta and proximal aortic arch. By combining open supra-aortic vessels debranching and emerging endovascular technologies, hybrid arch repair (HAR) has been increasingly performed as a promising alternative in risky patients with comorbidities and frailties. Nevertheless, the advantages or disadvantages of hybrid arch procedures and cTAR in terms of survival and related outcomes remain controversial. This study is aimed to briefly review the role and results of HAR in the management of aortic arch pathology in comparison of contemporary cTAR.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-and long-term results of hybrid procedures in the treatment for aortic arch lesions. MethodsFrom October 2002 to March 2011, 28 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms or dissections involving the aortic arch were treated with hybrid endovascular treatment in our center. Twenty-two males and 6 females were in the series. The mean age of the patients was 68 years old. Of 28 patients, 15 were atherosclerotic thoracic aortic aneurysms and 13 were thoracic aortic dissection. Follow-up protocol consisted of computed tomography (CT) angiograms or ultrasound was performed in 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. The main goal was to evaluate the operative mortality, morbidity, and the longterm survival of these patients. ResultsHybrid procedures included 12 totalarch transpositions, 3 left common carotid artery (LCCA)left subclavian artery (LSA) bypass, 11 right common carotid artery (RCCA)LCCA-LSA bypass, 2 RCCA-LCCA bypass. The technical success rate was 92.9% (26/28). The complications occurred in 10 patients (35.7%). Operative mortality was 7.1% (2/28). The apoplexia rate was 7.1% (2/28). The time of followup was (36±3) months. The patency rates of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year were 100%, 92.9% (26/28), and 85.7% (24/28), respectively. The survival rates of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year were 89.3% (25/28), 71.4% (20/28), and 60.7% (17/28), respectively. ConclusionsThe short-and long-term results with hybrid procedures in the treatment for aortic arch diseases are satisfactory. Further reducing the complications is the key to increase the survival rate.
Objective To determine risk factors of delayed recovery of consciousness after aortic arch surgery underdeep hypothermic circulatory arrest （DHCA） and antegrade selective cerebral perfusion （ASCP）. Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 113 patients who underwent aortic arch surgery under DHCA＋ASCP in the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital， Medical School of Nanjing University from October 2004 to April 2012. According to whether they regained consciousness within 24 hours after surgery， all the 113 patients were divided into normal group （73 patients including 55 males and 18 females with their average age of 48.1±10.9 years） and delayed recovery group （40 patients including 29 males and 11 females with their average age of 52.2±11.4 years）. Risk factors of delayed recovery of consciousness after surgery were evaluated by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Nine patients （8.0%） died postoperatively， including 5 patients with multi-organ failure， 2 patients with heart failure， 1 patient with mediastinal infection， and 1 patient with pulmonary hemorrhage. There were 7 deaths （17.5%） in the delayed recovery group and 2 deaths （2.7%） in the normal group， and the in-hospital mortality of the delayed recovery group was significantly higher than that of the normal group （P=0.016）. A total of 94 patients （including 65 patients in the normal group and 29 patients in the delayed recovery group） were followed up for 4-95 months. Eight patients （including 5 patients in the normal group and 3 patients in the delayed recovery group） died during follow-up， including 2 patients with stroke， 3 patients with heart failure， 2 patients with pulmonary hemorrhage and 1 patient with unknown cause. Ten patients were lost during follow-up. Univariate analysis showed that age （P=0.042）， hypertension （P=0.017）， emergency surgery （P=0.001）， cardiopu- lmonary bypass （CPB） time （P=0.007）， aortic cross-clamp time （P=0.021）， and blood transfusion（P=0.012）were risk factors of delayed recovery of consciousness after aortic arch surgery. Multivariate logistic regression showed that emergency surgery （P=0.005） and CPB time＞240 minutes （P=0.000） were independent risk factors of delayed recovery of consciousness after aortic arch surgery. Conclusion Delayed recovery of consciousness after aortic arch surgery is attributed to a combination of many risk factors. Correct patient diagnosis， lesion site and involved scope should be made clear preoperatively in order to choose appropriate surgical strategies. During the surgery， strengthened brain protection， shortened operation time， improved surgical techniques， and perioperative stable circulation maintenance are all important measures to prevent delayed recovery of consciousness after aortic arch surgery.
Objective To summarize treatment experience and evaluate clinical outcomes of surgical therapy for Stanford type A aortic dissection （AD）. Methods Clinical data of 48 patients with Stanford type A AD who underwent surgical treatment in General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Region from October 2006 to March 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 41 males and 7 females with their age of 26-72 （47.6±9.2） years. There were 43 patients with acute Stanford type A AD （interval between symptom onset and diagnosis＜14 days） and 5 patients with chronic AD. There were 19 patients with moderate to severe aortic insufficiency and 6 patients with Marfan symdrome but good aortic valve function，who all received Bentall procedure，total arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation. There were 8 patients with AD involving the aortic root but good aortic valve function who underwent modified David procedure，total arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation. There were 10 patients with AD involving the ascending aorta who received ascending aorta replacement，total arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation. There were 5 patients with AD involving partial aortic arch who underwent ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement. Patients were followed up in the 3rd，6th and 12th month after discharge then once every year. Follow-up evaluation included general patient conditions，blood pressure control，chest pain recurrence，mobility and computerized tomography arteriography （CTA）. ResultsCardiopulmonary bypass time was 121-500 （191.4±50.6） minutes，aortic cross-clamp time was 58-212 （112.3±31.7） minutes，and circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion time was 26-56 （34.8±8.7） minutes. Postoperative mechanicalventilation time was 32-250 （76.2±35.6） hours，and ICU stay was 3-20 （7.1±3.4） days. Thoracic drainage within 24 hours postoperatively was 680-1 600 （1 092.5±236.3） ml. Seven patients （14.5%） died perioperatively including 2 patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome，2 patients with low cardiac output syndrome，1 patient with renal failure，1patient with delayed refractory hemorrhage，and 1 patient with coma. Twenty patients had other postoperative complicationsand were cured or improved after treatment. A total of 38 patients ［92.7% （38/41）］ were followed up for 3-48 （13.0±8.9） months，and 3 patients were lost during follow-up. During follow-up，there were 36 patients alive and 2 patients who died of other chronic diseases. There was no AD-related death during follow-up. None of the patients required reoperation for AD or false-lumen expansion. CTA at 6th month after discharge showed no anastomotic leakage，graft distortion or obstruction.Conclusion According to aortic intimal tear locations，ascending aorta diameter and AD involving scopes，appropriate surgical strategies，timing and organ protection are the key strategies to achieve optimal surgical results for Stanford type A AD. Combined axillary and femoral artery perfusion and increased lowest intraoperative temperature are good methods for satisfactory surgical outcomes of Stanford type A AD.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the initial results of hybrid procedure without sternotomy for aortic arch dissection, and also report our initial experience in performing this procedure. MethodsFrom January 2011 to September 2014, 17 patients diagnosed with aortic arch dissection by CT angiography undergoing the hybrid procedure (thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with supra-arch branch vessel bypass) in the department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command. There were 12 males and 5 females aged from 46 to 71 years. Their clinical data, including the imaging findings, treatment, and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsLeft common carotid artery (LCCA) to left subclavian artery (LSA) bypass (n=4), right common carotid artery (RCCA) to LCCA to LSA bypass (n=3), RCCA to LCCA bypass merger covered LSA (n=3) were performed. All operations were successful. Laryngeal recurrent nerve injury occurred in one patient. All patients were followed up on the postoperative day 7, 30 and one year. All patients were followed up for 12 to 53 months till September 2015. There was no death, and no complications such as endoleak after the hybrid procedure, stenosis or blockage of the bypass graft during the follow-up period. ConclusionInitial results suggest that the hybrid procedure without sternotomy is a suitable therapeutic option for high risk aortic arch dissection patients in poor general condition with little tolerance to aortic arch replacement．
ObjectiveTo investigate the results of emergent aortic arch replacement using moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest and unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (MHCA+UACP).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 146 patients who underwent emergent aortic arch replacement using MHCA+UACP in our institution from January 2008 to June 2018. There were 111 males and 35 females aged 60.3±7.2 years. According to different surgical approaches, patients were divided into two groups: a total arch replacement (TAR) group (n=104) and a semi arch replacement (SAR) group (n=42). Right axillary artery was cannulated for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cerebral perfusion. Core temperature at the onset of MHCA was 23.4±1.4 ℃. UACP was initiated at 18-22 ℃ with the flow of 5-10 ml/(kg·min). Flow was adjusted to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure of 50–60 mm Hg.ResultsCPB time was 235.0±42.0 min. Aortic clamp time was 154.0±29.0 min. Circulatory arrest (CA) time was 48.1±13.0 min. The CPB time and CA time of the TAR group were longer than those of SAR group. Overall mortality rate was 9.6%. Complications included permanent neurological dysfunction (PND), temporary neurological dysfunction (TND), acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis and delayed extubation (mechanical ventilation time >72 hours). Overall incidence of PND and TND was 2.7% and 6.8%, respectively. The incidence of AKI requiring dialysis was 4.1%. The incidence of delayed extubation was 21.9%. No difference of mortality rate or incidence of complications was found between the two groups. The average follow-up was 63.0±33.1 months. The 5-year survival rate was 72.6% in the TAR group and 85.5% in the SAR group.ConclusionEmergent aortic arch replacement using MHCA+UACP can be accomplished with excellent results.
Objective To monitor the distribution of blood perfusion during aortic arch aneurysm surgery under double arterial lines with single pump. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 37 patients underwent aortic arch repair or reconstruction between September 2012 and April 2014. There were 9 females and 28 males at mean age of 48.1±10.8 years ranging from 19.0-72.0 years.We took double arterial lines with single pump for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during the operation and we monitored the perfusion tube flow of both the upper and lower body by blood flow detector. Cerebral blood perfusion was measured by transcranial cerebral Doppler and near-infrared spectroscopy cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2). Results The mean CPB time of all 37 patients was 195.8±40.5 minutes ranging from 136.0-277.0 minutes and the mean duration time of selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SCAP) was 21.6±5.6 minutes ranging from 5.0-35.0 minutes. During cooling and rewarming phases, the part of blood flow through axillary artery cannulation ranged from 31.5% to 40.8% of the whole body perfusion. The blood flow of SACP was increased to 15.0 ml / (kg·min) in 2 patients with significantly lower rSO2 and middle cerebral artery blood flow during SACP, and they had an uneventful recovery process after surgery. There were another 2 patients recorded abnormal situation of rSO2 without interventions. One patient died and the other one recovered with compications of spinal cord. Conclusions The technique of double arterial lines with single pump is reasonable and effective. The cerebral perfusion monitoring is helpful to detect abnormal perfusion during aortic arch aneurysm surgery.
Objective To compare the outcome of patients with the strategy of conventional and steady cooling ＆ rewarming and cold reperfusion , who suffered from DeBakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection or aortic arch aneurysm and underwent the total aortic arch replacement. Methods Thirty-two patients who underwent total arch replacement were randomly allocated to one of two strategies of temperature management in cardiopulmonary bypass （CPB）, conventional group （group C, 16 cases） and steady cooling ＆. rewarming and cold reperfusion group （group S, 16 cases）. The jugular bulb venous oxygenation saturation （SjvO2）, jugular bulb venous oxygen tension （PivO2） and jugular bulb venous blood temperature （JVBT） were tested or monitored during the operation. Preoperative and postoperative neurological examinations and brain computerized tomography scan were performed. Results All patients survived the operations and were discharged from hospital. No new brain infarction occurred. Transient neurologic dysfunction occurred in 2 patients of the group S and 3 patients of the groupC. The “cooling ＆ rewarming blanket-impress puple” occurred in 4 cases of the group C. The SjvO2, PjvO2, lowest nasopharyngeal temperature and the post operative nasopharyngeal temperature of the patients in group S were significantly higher than those of the patients in group C （SjvO2 0.85±0. 11 vs. 0. 74±0.23, PjvO2 36. 9± 15.6mmHg vs. 24.5±7.7mmHg, P（ 0.01 ）. While the highest brain temperature, wake time and ICU stay in group S were remarkably lower than those in group C （P 〈0. 01,0. 05）. Conclusion With less postbypass afterdrop and satisfactory clinical outcome, the strategy of steady cooling ＆ rewarming and cold reperfusion can effectively avoid brain hyperthermia and mismatch of cerebral blood flow metabolism in the surgery of total aortic arch replacement.
Abstract： Objective To determine the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) after thoracic aortic arch replacement surgery under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 139 patients who underwent thoracic aortic arch replacement surgery under DHCA between January 2004 and December 2008 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences. The patients were divided into two gro-ups according to whether AKI occurred after thoracic aortic arch replacement surgery. In the AKI gro-up (n=48), there were 39 males and 9 females with an age of 57.67±9.56 years. In the normal renal function gro-up (n=91), there were 69 males and 22 females with an age of 41.30±13.37 years. We observed the clinical data of the patients in both gro-ups, including left ventricular ejecting fraction (LVEF) before operation, diameter of the left ventricle, diameter of the ascending aorta, renal function, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic crossclamp time, and DHCA time. The risk factors for AKI and death after operation were evaluated by univariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results Among all the patients, AKI occurred in 48 (34.53%), 17 (12.23%) of whom underwent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Respiratory failure occurred in 27 patients (19.42%). Twentynine patients (20.86%) had cerebral complications, including temporary cerebral dysfunction in 26 patients and permanent cerebral dysfunction in 3 patients. In all the patients, 14 (10.07%) died, including 4 patients of heart failure, 9 patients of multiple organ failure, and 1 patient of cerebral infarction. There were 3 (3.30%)deaths in the normal renal function gro-up and 11 (22.92%) deaths in the AKI gro-up with a significant difference of mortality rate between the two gro-ups (P=0.011). A total of 118 patients were followed -up and 7 were lost. The follow-up time was from 5 to 56 months with an average time of 42 months. During the follow-up period, 7 patients died, including 3 patients of heart failure, 2 patients of cerebral apoplexy, and 2 patients of unknown reasons. The logistic regression analysis revealed that creatinine level was greater than 13260 μmol/L before operation (OR=1.042, P=0.021) and respiratory failure (OR=2.057, P=0.002) were independent determinants for AKI after the operation. Conclusion AKI is the most common complication of thoracic aortic arch replacement surgery under DHCA, and is the risk factor of mortality after the surgery. It is important to enhance perioperative protection of the renal function.