MASSIVE MURAL AORTIC ARCH THROMBUS.

Mural aortic thrombus is a rare pathology that is more frequently seen in severe atherosclerotic aortic walls, in aneurysms and acute aortic syndrome(1). However this can be found in patients without aortic disease, and be responsible for systemic or cerebral emboli. A 54-year-old male was admitted to our institution for syncope and aphasia, he was found in the street with ethylic intoxication. After neurological examination mixed type aphasia was observed, cerebral and supra aortic arteries CT angiography were performed. Cerebral CT showed focal filling defect of left middle cerebral artery. Supra aortic arteries CT angiography was completed with toracoabdominal CT because massive ascending and arch thrombus was found. The thrombus measured 130 x 33 x 15 mm (Figures 1A and 1B and 1C), and covered from mid ascending aorta to 40 mm distal to the ostium of left subclavian artery. The patient was referred to our unit for urgent surgical treatment. Surgery was performed throw median sterntomy, cardiopulmonary bypass with moderate hypothermic arrest and anterograde cerebral perfusion via right axillary artery. Longitudinal aortotomy was made and 140 x 30 x 15 mm thrombus (Figure 2), attached to posterior mid ascending aorta, was found and resected, the aortic wall did not show any abnormality. The patient had an eventful recovery and was discharged 9 days later with oral anticoagulation and aspirin.

Antegrade Hybrid Chimney TEVAR Endograft in a Patient with Blunt Aortic Injury: A Challenging Case with Technical Success but Unfavorable Result

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) has modified aortic medicine, particularly in patients with traumatic aortic injury (TAI). Conventional repair of TAI in the aortic arch is technically demanding as it requires cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic arrest with still a significant number of complications. Despite recent improvements in endovascular techniques, many patients have been excluded from endovascular repair due to unfavorable anatomy. To increase the feasibility of endovascular repair, adjunctive open extra-anatomical bypasses may be required to provide an adequate proximal landing zone. Several methods, for instance, chimney technique, hybrid technique, and fenestrated or branched stent-grafts, have been proposed as options to preserve the supra-aortic branches, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We herein present a patient with complex anatomical features and blunt aortic injury, who underwent antegrade chimney stent-graft deployment through the ascending aorta, not otherwise amenable to standard retrograde delivery because of severe peripheral artery disease. The remarkable aspect, in this case, is that both stents were placed antegrade, through the ascending aorta.

P5600Surgical reconstruction of type A aortic dissection in octogenarians

Introduction Because the population is aging, the indication for surgical reconstruction in older patients will increase. Japan is especially facing the most aging society worldwide. However, surgical reconstruction of type A aortic dissection (AADA) in patients who are octogenarians is not often performed because of the decision of the patient or surgeon. We examined the outcome of surgical reconstruction of AADA in octogenarians. Method Over 4 years, 132 cases of surgical reconstruction of AADA were analyzed. Twenty-five consecutive octogenarians with AADA were retrospectively reviewed. In our institution, we recommend an emergent operation to the patient or family in all generations unless they reject it for some reason. Results Operative factors in octogenarians with AADA were not significantly different compared with those in patients aged younger than 79 years (n=107) (operation: 238±11 vs. 246±5 min, p=0.54; cardiopulmonary bypass: 147±7.4 vs. 154±3.5 min, p=0.42; aortic-clamp: 114±6.0 vs. 120±2.8 min, p=0.36; hypothermic-arrest: 43±2.7 vs. 42±1.3 min, p=0.81). The overall mortality rate was 24.0% (n=6). The mortality rate was no difference between younger patients and octogenarians (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 0.86–8.21, p=0.08). Furthermore, MACE (Major Adverse Cardiac Event) and the postoperative stroke rate were not significantly different between the two groups (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.52–3.93, p=0.42; OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.16–2.59, p=0.69, respectively). Conclusion In AADA, the outcome of emergent surgical reconstruction in octogenarians is acceptable. Even with the risk of aging, surgeons should consider aggressive surgical reconstruction in octogenarians.

Neuroprotective Strategies in Repair and Replacement of the Aortic Arch

Aortic arch surgery is a technical challenge, and cerebral protection during distal anastomosis is a continued topic of controversy and discussion. The physiologic effects of hypothermic arrest and adjunctive cerebral perfusion have yet to be fully defined, and the optimal strategies are still undetermined. This review highlights the historical context, physiological rationale, and clinical efficacy of various neuroprotective strategies during arch operations.