Central nervous injury risk factors after endovascular repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm with type B aortic dissection

Aortic dissection is the deadliest disease of the cardiovascular system.Type B aortic dissection accounts for 30%-60%of aortic dissections and is mainly treated by endovascular repair of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair(TEVAR).However,patients are prone to various complications after surgery,with central nervous system injury being the most common,which seriously affects their prognosis and increases the risk of disability and death.Therefore,exploring the risk factors of central nervous system injury after TEVAR can provide a basis for its prevention and control.AIM To investigate the risk factors for central nervous system injury after the repair of a thoracic endovascular aneurysm with type B aortic dissection.METHODS We enrolled 306 patients with type B aortic dissection who underwent TEVAR at our hospital between December 2019 and October 2022.The patients were categorized into injury(n=159)and non-injury(n=147)groups based on central nervous system injury following surgery.The risk factors for central nervous system injury after TEVAR for type B aortic dissection were screened by comparing the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.RESULTS The Association between age,history of hypertension,blood pH value,surgery,mechanical ventilation,intensive care unit stay,postoperative recovery times on the first day after surgery,and arterial partial pressure of oxygen on the first day after surgery differed substantially(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age,surgery time,history of hypertension,duration of mechanical ventilation,and intensive care unit stay were independent risk factors for central nervous system injury after TEVAR of type B aortic dissection(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For high-risk patients with central nervous system injury after TEVAR of type B aortic dissection,early intervention measures should be implemented to lower the risk of neurological discomfort following surgery in high-risk patients with central nervous system injury after TEVAR for type B aortic dissection.

Custom Made Fenestrated Stent Graft Collapse after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Case Report

We present a case of stent graft collapse after performing thoracic endovascular aortic repair with a custom-made fenestrated stent graft. The patient was a 70-year-old woman with an asymptomatic aneurysm of the distal aortic arch, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed. The patient showed a blood pressure difference between the left arm and the right arm on postoperative day (POD) 17 prompting the performance of a chest computed tomography scan which revealed stent graft collapse. She then underwent staged debranching of thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Stent graft collapse is a rare but well-described complication of thoracic endovascular repair. Therefore, patients who undergo such a procedure should be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms, which suggest the possibility of stent collapse.

Effects of moxibustion at 46°C on blood lipids and related indicators of thoracic aortic endothelium in a hyperlipidemia rat model

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion at different temperatures(38℃,46℃)on blood lipids,endothelial morphology of the thoracic aorta,serum endothelin-1(ET-1),calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP),nitric oxide(NO),and endothelial NO synthase(eNOS)in hyperlipidemic rats.Methods:Using the random number table method,60 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly and evenly divided into blank,model,38℃-moxibustion,and 46℃-moxibustion groups.Rats in the 3 experimental groups were fed a high-fat feed to model hyperlipidemia in rats.Rats in the 38℃-moxibustion and 46℃-moxibustion groups were moxibustion on the Shenque and bilateral Zusanli acupoints for 10 minutes each,once every other day for 4 weeks,at temperatures of 38±1℃ and 46±1℃.After that,rat blood samples were collected to detect blood lipids and ET-1,CGRP,eNOS and NO.Take the endotheal tissue of the thoracic aorta to do HE staining.Results:(1)The serum total cholesterol,triglycerides,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of rats in the 46℃-moxibustion group were significantly lower than those in the model and 38℃-moxibustion groups.(2)Revealed by hematoxylin and eosin staining,showed necrosis in the local vascular endothelial cells and mild inflammatory cell infiltration in the tunica adventitia of the hyperlipidemic rats.These endothelial morphologies did not improve significantly after moxibustion at 38℃ but did improve at 46℃.(3)Compared with the blank group,serum ET-1 was significantly higher and serum CGRP,NO,eNOS were significantly lower in the model group.Compared with the model and the 38℃-moxibustion groups,serum ET-1 was significantly lower and serum CGRP,NO,eNOS were significantly higher in 46℃-moxibustion groups.Conclusion:Moxibustion at 46℃ effectively regulated blood lipids,improved the morphology of the vascular endothelium,and protected vascular endothelial function.

Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic dissection associated with right-sided aortic arch：report of four cases

Aortic dissection involving a right-sided aortic arch（RAA）is extremely rare with an incidence in adults of 0.04%to 0.1%^（[1]）.Thoracic aortic dissection associated with RAA is even a more uncommon and life-threatening condition.For complicated aortic dissection,conventional open surgical repair is considered a standard therapy^（[2]）.However,

Acute Type A Aortic Dissection—Replacement of Ascending Aorta, Aortic Arch and Antegrade Stenting of the Descending Thoracic Aorta Using the Thoraflex™Hybrid Plexus Device (Terumo Aortic)—“Frozen Elephant Trunk”: The Plymouth Way!

Objectives: To describe our technique for the implantation of the Thoraflex Hybrid prosthesis for replacement of the aortic arch in a safe and reproducible way. Materials: Thoraflex™ Hybrid Plexus Device (Terumo Aortic). Design: Drawing on our own experience over the past 4 years in the management of acute type A aortic dissection, we have distilled the essentials of our “Frozen Elephant Trunk” technique which have led us through our own learning curve to the improved management of this taxing condition. Method/ Results: Small extension of the median sternotomy incision along the medial border of sternocleidomastoid muscle. End to side graft anastomosis near the origin of the left subclavian artery during cooling on bypass towards 20 degrees. Attention to cardiac protection and maintenance of cerebral perfusion during the shortened corporeal arrest period. Excellent results in 24 consecutive AAAD patients with just one hospital mortality. Conclusions: We believe we are entering a new phase in the treatment of AAAD, facilitated by the availability of a hybrid prosthesis which combines expanding stent technology with familiar surgical graft material. Our particular management of the left subclavian artery and of the cerebral circulation during implantation has contributed to an expeditious and reproducible method of treating dissection within the arch of the aorta and beyond.

The clinical study of modified total aortic arch replacement and stent elephant trunk technique treatment for patients with DeBakey Ⅰ thoracic aortic dissection

Objective To summarize the clinical study of modified total aortic arch replacement and stent elephant trunk technique treatment to patients with DeBakey Ⅰ thoracic aortic dissection. Methods From January 2006 to October 2010,101 cases of DeBakeyⅠaortic dissection were treated by modified total arch replacement and stent elephant trunk technique,in which emergencey surgery were performed on 73 cases. There were 76 male and 25

Relationship between acute kidney injury before thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair and in-hospital outcomes in patients with type B acute aortic dissection

Objective Acute kidney injury （AKI） frequently occurs after catheter-based interventional procedures and increases mortality. However, the implications of AKI before thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair （TEVAR） of type B acute aortic dissection （AAD） remain unclear. This study evaluated the incidence, predictors, and in-hospital outcomes of AKI before TEVAR in patients with type B AAD. Methods Between 2009 and 2013, 76 patients were retrospectively evaluated who received TEVAR for type B AAD within 36 h from symptom onset. The patients were classified into no-AKI vs. AKI groups, and the severity of AKI was further staged according to kidney disease： im- proving global outcomes criteria before TEVAR. Results The incidence of preoperative AKI was 36.8%. In-hospital complications was significantly higher in patients with preoperative AKI compared with no-AKI （50.0% vs. 4.2%, respectively; P 〈 0.001）, including acute renal failure （21.4% vs. O, respectively; P 〈 0.001）, and they increased with severity of AKI （P 〈 0.001）. The maximum levels of body tem- perature and white blood cell count were significantly related to maximum serum creatinine level before TEVAR. Multivariate analysis showed that systolic blood pressure on admission （OR： 1.023; 95% CI： 1.003-1.044; P ： 0.0238） and bilateral renal artery involvement （OR： 19.076; 95% CI： 1.914 190.164; P = 0.0120） were strong predictors of preoperative AKI. Conclusions Preoperative AKI frequently occurred in patients with type B AAD, and correlated with higher in-hospital complications and enhanced inflammatory reaction. Systolic blood pressure on admission and bilateral renal artery involvement were major risk factors for AKI before TEVAR.

Infective endocarditis and thoracic aortic disease: A review on forgotten psychological aspects

AIM To summarize the current evidence on psychological issues in thoracic aortic disease(TAD) and infective endocarditis(IE) setting. METHODS We performed a narrative review about psychological issues in adults with IE and TAD. Through the electronic databases, Pub Med and Psyc INFO, we searched full manuscripts in English and published until September 1, 2014. RESULTS We found sixteen studies exploring psychological issues in patients with IE(six studies) and in TAD(ten papers). Psychological issues assessed were quality of life, depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Quality of life was explored in IE(four papers) and in TAD(eight papers). Depression and anxiety were analyzed in TAD only(five papers). Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed in IE(one study). Quality of life was found impaired in three of four studies about IE and in three of eight studies about TAD. Posttraumatic stress disorder was present in 11% and was associated with lower levels of quality of life in IE patients. In TAD patients, anxiety and depression levels after different invasive interventions did not differ. CONCLUSION Sixteen studies report about psychological issues in IE and TAD. Most of them explore quality of life and to a less extent anxiety and depression.

Endovascular graft exclusion for descending thoracic aortic dissections

Objective: To assess the operation indications, preoperative evaluation, technique essential and clinical prospective of Endovascular Graft Exclusion for thoracic aortic dissection. Methods: Since September 1998, Endovascular Graft Exclusion for thoracic aortic dissection has been performed on 10 patients. Graft was constructed from self-expanding Z-stents covered with a woven Dacron polyester fabric graft. Ged dimensions were determined ftom spiral computed tomographic scans. All operations were performed under DSA guidance. Results: There was one early death resulting from endoleaks. Proedures in the other 9 patients succeeded. No complications such as myocardial infarction, lung failure, kidney failureand paralysis that commonly occurred ther conventional operations were obsered. Immediate thrombosis in false lumen was achieved in 6 patients, and late thrombosis occurred in 3 patients. Mean follow-up duration was 3 months, the aneurysmal diameter was decreased obviously. Conclusion: These early results support the hypothesis that Endovascular Graft Exclusion may be a safe and durable treatment for selected patients with theracic aortic dissection. Endoleak may allow continued aneurysmal expansion and rupture. Further follow-up is necessary to evaluate the true long-term effectiveness of this procedure.

Secondary aorto-esophageal fistula after thoracic aortic aneurysm endovascular repair treated by covered esophageal stenting

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for thoracic aortic aneurysms is an accepted alternative to open surgery, especially in patients with significant comorbidities. The procedure itself has a low risk of complications and fistulas to surrounding organs are rarely reported. An 86-year-old patient was admitted to our hospital with gastro intestinal(GI) bleeding and a suspected aortoesophageal fistula. Eight months prior, the patient had undergone a stent graft repair of a mycotic thoracic aneurysm. Computerized tomography angiography and upper GI endoscopy confirmed an aortoesophageal fistula, which was treated by esophageal stenting. With early recognition, esophageal stenting may have a role in the initial emergency control of bleeding from and palliation of aortoesophageal fistula.

Multi-detector CT angiography for the assessment of anterior spinal artery and artery of Adamkiewicz patency in patients suspected of having thoracic aortic pathology

Objective To evaluate the visualization of the anterior spinal artery (ASA) and the artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA) as well as the affecting factors for the detection rate using multidetector row CT (MDCT). Methods Ninety-nine consecutive patients (31 women and 68 men; age range, 25-90 years; average age 61.3 years) with suspicion for thoracic aortic lesions necessitating surgical intervention (31 aortic aneurysm, 45 dissection, 5 intramural hematoma, and 18 normal), underwent 16-slice MDCT angiography from the aortic arch to the aortic bifurcation. Transverse sections, multiplanar reformations (MPR) and thin maximum intensity projections (MIP) were used to assess the ASA and AKA. The level of the ASA and AKA origins and CT acquisition parameters were recorded. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the image, an index of the mass of the T11 body (vertebral mass index), the subcutaneous fat thickness,and the CT value within the aortic arch and at the T11 level were measured. The detection of the ASA and AKA was evaluated relative to the acquisition parameters, scan characteristics, and aortic lesion type. Differences were assessed with Wilcoxon rank-sum and t tests. Results The ASA was visualized in 51 patients (52%) and the AKA in 18 patients (18 %). The ASA was identified in 36/67 (54%)patients with 1.25 mm thickness and in15/32 (47%) patients with 2.5-3.0 mm thickness. This difference did not achieve significance (P=0.13). The detection rate of the ASA and the AKA was influenced by vertebral mass index and the CNR (P＜0.05). The amount of subcutaneous fat affected the detection rate of the ASA (P＜0.05) but not the AKA. In CT scans with ASA detection, the mean CT values in the aorta at the arch and at T11 were 360 and 358 HU, respectively; whereas in CT scans without ASA detection, the CT values in the aorta at the arch and at T11 were lower (297 and 317 HU, respectively; both P＜0.05). Conclusion The ASA and AKA were less frequently detected in our cohorts than previous reports. The visualization of the ASA and AKA was significantly affected by aortic enhancement, the 'vertebral mass index', and the CNR.

Staphylococcal thoracic aortitis complicated by aortic dissection

BACKGROUND:The diagnosis of aortitis is often delayed as symptoms are largely nonspecific.We report a case of Staphylococcal thoracic aortitis in a 73-year-old Chinese woman complicated by aortic dissection.METHODS:The patient presented with pyrexia of unknown origin,and a contrast enhanced computed tomography aortogram revealed a large thrombus at the anterior aspect of the ascending aorta with two large ulcerations as a result of a chronic type A aortic dissection.A hemiarch replacement with a 28 mm Gleweave Vascutek graft was performed with resuspension of aortic valve commisures.Aortic thrombus cultures were positive for coagulase negative Staphylococcus aureaus,and histology showed chronic dissection of the aorta.RESULTS:The patient was treated with intravenous cefazolin for a 6-week duration and made good progress.CONCLUSIONS:This case highlights Staphylococcal infective aortitis complicated by dissection presenting as fever of unknown origin.Timely diagnosis is essential as progression to catastrophic rupture may occur.

Hybrid Procedure for Thoracic Aortic Disease

Form 2008 to 2009, four patients with complex thoracic aortic disease, including aortic aneurysms and dissections, were successfully treated in our department with a new treatment approach:hybrid procedure.Combined open surgery and endovascular repair were performed in these patients without deep hypothermia or circulatory arrest.Compared to those who underwent traditional open surgery in the same period, time of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay was decreased in these four patients.All of them were discharged soon after operation without postoperative complications or death.The result suggests that this new approach could be an option for thoracic aortic disease, but long-term and large-population studies are still required to demonstrate the safety and validity.

Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury in Pediatric Patients: Demographics, Assessment and Treatment

Background: There is a paucity of information regarding the management of blunt thoracic aortic injury in the pediatric population compared to adults. This article adds three cases of blunt thoracic aortic injuries in pediatric patients to the literature and analyzes these in conjunction with several of the previous case series which have been published. Methods: Three cases were reviewed along with 38 previously reported cases in an attempt to identify trends in demographics and management. The three new cases presented over a four year period. All are male. A six year old and a 17-year-old were involved in motor vehicle crashes and a 10-year-old was struck by a vehicle while skateboarding. Results: The 6-year-old and the 17-year-old were treated non-interventionally due to severe closed head injuries. One received beta blockade. Both survived. The third, without head injury, underwent interposition graft and also survived. Conclusions: These findings are not greatly dissimilar from the adult experience. In reviewing all 41 pediatric cases, findings reveal a high mortality, predominantly due to head injury as well as the aortic injury. Open repair and interposition grafting continue to be the mainstay of management, with endovascular procedures and non-operative management becoming more prevalent recently. The role of beta-blockade is unclear in children with this injury. Further multicenter prospective studies of this rare pediatric injury may be useful.

A Case of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm with Hemoptysis as the First Symptom

This article reports a case of thoracic aortic aneurysm with hemoptysis as the first clinical manifestation, hemoptysis as the first clinical manifestation is very uncommon and to the best of our knowledge, only twenty of such cases have been previously reported. The case report presented here constitutes the longest course of the disease reported in medical literature, and good recovery after thoracic endovascular aortic repair, may help us to increase the understanding and diagnosis of the disease.

Diagnosis and management of thoracic aortic dissection:An update

Acute thoracic aortic dissection is part of the acute aortic syndrome triad.Caused by an intimal tear in the lumen of the aorta,it leads to the creation and propagation of a false lumen.In the acute setting this can lead to malignant hypertension,pain and end organ malperfusion.In the chronic setting it can lead to aneurysm formation and rupture.It remains the most common aortic emergency,affecting up to 4 per 100000 people per year in the United Kingdom and United States.Despite advances in treatment and centralisation of vascular services,it continues to be associated with a high pre-admission and in-hospital mortality.Dissection is classified in several ways according to anatomical extent,timing and underlying pathology,all of which guides clinical management.Traditionally,medical management has been the mainstay of treatment in patients with uncomplicated disease.Surgery has been used in symptomatic patients.With published information now available from several prospective international registries,we are beginning to see the advantages of newer surgical treatment options such as endovascular repair,in the acute setting.This review provides an update on diagnosis and management of aortic dissection,including new information that has become available in recent years.

Beyond the Usual Suspects (Aortic Dissection in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease)

A comprehensive differential diagnosis is essential in the emergency department, even when patient presentations are atypical. Timely recognition of life-threatening conditions, such as aortic dissection, hinges on this critical diagnostic approach.

More to the picture of the psychological impact of endocarditis and thoracic aortic pathology

Over the years there has been substantial advanced in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex thoracic aortic disease and complex endocarditis.As these therapies are being offered to a growing segment of patients-and more and more patients are felt to potentially benefit from such therapies,the longterm consequences of these interventions is sometimes poorly understood.While traditional medical complications,such as stroke,renal failure,respiratory failure,and even death are often the focus of outcomes studies,little is known on the impact of these diseases and therapies on mental health.This commentary emphasizes the importance of better understanding the psychologic impact of endocarditis and thoracic aortic pathology as reviewed by Dr.Bagnasco.

Trans-Frame Aortic Regurgitation of New-Generation Aortic Bioprosthesis

A widely used aortic valve bioprosthesis is susceptible to regurgitation between the sewing ring and the frame of the valve due to its relatively thin fabric coverage. In some cases this leak has been shown to resolve with administration of protamine, however, tension on this area from annular sutures placed in an asymmetric bicuspid valve annulus may exacerbate the defect.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low-risk young population:A double edge sword?

Since the advent of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)in 2002,it has now become the default interventional strategy for symptomatic patients presenting with severe aortic stenosis,particularly in intermediate to highsurgical risk patients.In 2019,the United States Food and Drug Administration approved TAVR in low-risk patients based on two randomized trials.However,these breakthrough trials excluded patients with certain unfavorable anatomies and odd profiles.While currently there is no randomized study of TAVR in young patients,it may be preferred by the young population given the benefits of early discharge,shorter hospital stay,and expedite recovery.Nonetheless,it is important to ruminate various factors including lifetime expectancy,risk of pacemaker implantation,and the need for future valve or coronary interventions in young cohorts before considering TAVR in these patients.Furthermore,the data on long-term durability(>10 years)of TAVR is still unknown given most of the procedures were initially performed in the high or prohibitive surgical risk population.Thus,this editorial aims to highlight the importance of considering an individualized approach in young patients with consideration of various factors including lifetime expectancy while choosing TAVR against surgical aortic valve replacement.