[Staged operation of multiple aortic aneurysms with myocardial infarction and stenosis of three coronary arteries]

A 69-year-old man with multiple aortic aneurysms was admitted to the university hospital because of increasing the size of aneurysms. A coronary angiogram revealed three vessel disease (LAD at seg 7: 90%, D1: 75%, LCX at seg 13: 95%, RCA at seg 3: recanalization) and left ventriculography showed hypokinesis of the inferior wall. Staged extending operation was performed. Graft replacement of ascending and arch aortic aneurysms associated with coronary artery bypass grafting was done in the first operation. Two months after the 1st operation, thoracoabdominal and infrarenal aortic aneurysms were replaced by synthetic graft and the intercostal arteries (Th10, 11, 12) and the lumbar arteries (L1, 4) were reconstructed with synthetic bypass from the implanted graft. Postoperative course was uneventful and he has been well without any symptoms of paraplegia 26 months after the first operation.

In vivo wear of bipolar endoprosthesis

In vivo wear was evaluated in 39 bipolar endoprostheses retrieved at revision surgery. The duration from the implantation until the revision surgery was 5.2 +/- 1.3 years. The annual wear rate of the inner articulation was 0.21 mm, and the annual wear rate (in depth) of the polyethylene rim was 0.54 mm. The annual wear rate of the rim was greater in cases with radiological osteolysis than in those without osteolysis. Improvement in the configuration of the rim, and the device such as coating the stem neck with a cobalt-chromium alloy mirror surface are necessary to prevent rim abrasion. It is also important to make careful consideration on the indication of bipolar endoprosthesis especially for cases of dysplastic osteoarthritis, in which rim abrasion was found to be very severe.

Lymphatic vessel-to-isolated-vein anastomosis for secondary lymphedema in a canine model

To design a more rational and effective surgical method of performing lymphatic-venous anastomosis to treat secondary lymphedema of the lower extremities, the following experiments were conducted on three groups of dogs: group A underwent an end-to-side lymphatic node-to-vein anastomosis at the inferior vena cava; group B underwent a "burying" lymphatic vessel-to-vein anastomosis at the femoral vein; and group C underwent a burying lymphatic vessel-to-isolated-vein anastomosis at the femoral vein. In group C, the femoral venous segment was isolated by distal ligation and proximal valvuloplasty and the patency of the anastomosis was investigated by infusing yellow Microfils through the distal lymphatic vessel. The patency of the anastomosis was nil in group A by 10 days after the anastomosis, 40% in group B by 180 days; and 71.4% in group C by 180 days, respectively. Thus, we clinically applied the technique of lymphatic vessel-to-isolated-saphenous-vein anastomosis in a patient with secondary lymphedema of the bilateral lower extremities. A satisfactory reduction in the size of the limbs was achieved and there has been no further recurrence of cellulitis in the 42 months since her surgery. This study shows that lymphatic vessel-to-vein anastomosis is an effective technique for the surgical management of secondary lymphedema, so long as the anastomosis is completely protected from any contact with blood.

An in vitro evaluation of venous cannula in a simulated partial (femoro-femoral) cardiopulmonary bypass circuit

We designed a study to evaluate three factors (siphon gradient [PH], the right atrial pressure [RAP], and the inferior vena caval flow [IVCF]) to be optimized to maximize the venous drainage flow (DF) during partial cardiopulmonary bypass using eight venous cannulas of three different types and an original model circuit. The relationship between venous DF and the three factors is indicated by the multiple regression equation DF2 = alpha PH + beta RAP + gamma IVCF2 + C, where alpha, beta, and gamma are regression estimates and C is a constant. Multiple regression analysis results showed that DF was positively correlated with PH and RAP and negatively correlated with IVCF. A long cannula with 12 side holes and 60 cm long was considered to be useful to yield the optimal venous drainage flow under the condition of maintenance of the flow balance (DF and ICVF) and the pressure balance (RAP and IVCP) at the zero point. Moreover, this model may allow extensive research in flow dynamics of venous cannula without involving human subjects.

[Use of the inferior epigastric artery in redo coronary artery bypass grafting--a case report]

A 71-year-old man who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) 9 years ago, was admitted for chest compression on exertion. A severe stenotic lesion (75%) of the main trunk of the left coronary artery and occlusion of the bypass graft previously implanted to the right coronary artery were showed by coronary angiography. Redo-CABG using the left inferior epigastric artery (LIEA) and left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was successfully done, since the saphenous vein and right gastroepiploic artery were not suitable for bypass graft. Post operative cource was uneventful and good patency of LIEA and LITA graft were revealed by postoperative angiography 34 days after surgery.

Morphological, immunohistological and fibrinolytic features of patch grafts for reconstruction of the inferior vena cava

Morphological and immunohistological features and fibrinolytic activity of the neointima of various grafts implanted in the thoracic inferior vena cava (IVC) in dogs were examined. Autologous pericardium (group 1), treated porcine pericardium (group 2), treated bovine pericardium (group 3), treated horse pericardium (group 4) and expanded polytetrafluorethylene (e-PTFE) (group 5) were used as patch grafts. Grafts harvested 12-30 (mean 15.2) months after implantation were all patent in each group. The luminal surface of the grafts was completely covered with endothelial cells, which were positive for immunohistological staining of factor VIII and had active fibrinolytic activity. The gross appearance of the neointima of the grafts in group 1 was smooth; however, the grafts in groups 2-5 were severely deformed with retraction. The concavity of the retracted grafts in groups 2-5 was filled with thick neointima, which consisted of a superficial layer with mature smooth muscle cells and the deeper layer with fibroblast-like cells and extracellular collagen fibres. Fibroblast-like cells were thought to be a synthetic form of fibroblasts. The deeper layer of the neointima of the implanted biografts and e-PTFE graft was considered to be in the active phase in cell proliferation, even at > or = 12 months after implantation. It is concluded that autologous pericardium is the material of choice for patch grafts in reconstruction of the IVC and that biografts and synthetic grafts are less than satisfactory.

[A two staged extending graft replacement for dissecting aortic aneurysm with Marfan's syndrome]

We experienced four cases of dissecting aortic aneurysms with Marfan's syndrome, in which two staged operations were performed with satisfactory results. The operations performed in the four patients were the replacement of the ascending aorta, transverse aortic arch and the entire descending thoracic aorta in DeBakey type I dissecting aortic aneurysm, replacement of the entire descending thoracic and abdominal aorta in type IIIb, replacement of the aortic valve, ascending aorta, transverse aortic arch, the entire descending thoracic and upper abdominal aorta in type I, and replacement of the total aorta including the aortic valve in type II + IIIb, respectively. There were no operative deaths, but a 42-year-old woman with DeBakey type IIIb died suddenly 2 years 11 months after the second operation. The cause of death was presumed to be due to rupture of a dissecting aneurysm (DeBakey type II). Dissecting aortic aneurysm with Marfan's syndrome must be observed carefully and corrected surgically, because the lesion is progressive and the residual dissecting aneurysm usually dilates eventually. In view of our clinical results, we conclude that the operation for dissecting aortic aneurysm with Marfan's syndrome should be performed as extensively as possible.

[Discrete subaortic stenosis after aortic valve replacement--a case report]

A 51-year-old woman, who had undergone aortic valve replacement (SJM 19 mm) and open mitral commissurotomy for aortic valve stenosis with regurgitation, and mitral stenosis, was admitted for redo surgery. We found discrete subaortic ring just below the prosthetic valve. The fibrous ring was resected and the aortic valve was replaced (SJM 21 mm) after augmentation of the aortic annulus by Nicks procedure. Mitral and tricuspid valves were replaced. Discrete subaortic stenosis after aortic valve replacement are mostly in cases with small prosthetic valve. The turbulence caused by the small valve may produce discrete subaortic ring.

[A case of re-operation after 14 years following radical correction of the anomalous origin of right pulmonary artery from ascending aorta]

Anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare congenital malformation, which is usually fatal without early surgical correction. The number of reports of the radical operation has been recently increasing, but reports of its long-term postoperative results are rare, especially those of the reoperative cases. The 14-year-old patient, who had been operated radically with a 8 mm diameter graft at 7 months of age, weighing 4550 g at the time, was reoperated, because he developed pulmonary hypertension due to the narrowing of the graft. He had no clinical symptoms and no abnormal signs on chest X-P nor ECG, eventhough severe stenosis of the graft was present. The graft was replaced with a larger 12 mm diameter graft under ECC, and PFO closure and TAP were done at the same time. The patient's pulmonary artery pressure reduced substantially following surgery. We conclude that cautious postoperative follow-up including angiographical examination is important, and that early reoperation before occlusion of the graft should be done.

[A case of staged operation for a dissecting aneurysm (DeBakey type IIIb+II) with Marfan's syndrome]

A 34-year-old woman with Marfan's syndrome had severe heart failure due to annulo-aortic ectasia and aortic insufficiency, which was accompanied also by a dissecting aneurysm (DeBakey type IIIb) that was demonstrated by aortography. 4 days before the operation, sudden progression of the aneurysm to a DeBakey type II, and finally DeBakey type I dissecting aneurysm was seen. The first operation was an extended aortic resection with replacement from the aortic valve to the descending thoracic aorta (level of the 7th thoracic vertebra) using selective cerebral perfusion. The second operation was a replacement of the residual dissecting aorta from the level of the 8th thoracic vertebra to the celiac artery with partial extracorporeal circulation. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. Dissecting aneurysm with Marfan's syndrome should be operated as extensively as possible if necessary.

[Angiographic evaluation of reconstructed spinal arteries in thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery]

Revascularization of the spinal arteries with thoracic aortic aneurysm were performed on nineteen patients using partial extracorporeal bypass. They were 16 men and 3 women. Age range were from 33 to 70 years (mean 49.9 +/- 10.3 years). There were eleven patients of dissecting aneurysm (DeBakey type IIIb in eight patients, type I in two patients and type IIIa in one patient), and eight patients of non-dissecting thoracoabdominal aneurysm (including two patients with ruptured aneurysm). The number of revascularized spinal arteries were 60 pairs (average 3.2 pairs per each patient). The revascularized spinal arteries were localized between levels T4 and L5.36 pairs of the 60 existed between levels T8 and L2 from where the artery of Adamkiewicz arises. Seven patients (eleven spinal arteries) underwent selective angiography of the revascularized spinal arteries postoperatively, and the anterior spinal artery and the artery of Adamkiewicz was identified in three patients. Two patients died within one month, one from MOF and the another from intestinal perforation respectively (operative mortality 11.1%). One patient, with ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm showed paraparesis postoperatively, but no paraplegia was found in any patients. We recommend that not only the artery of Adamkiewicz but also the spinal arteries at the midthoracic area from T4 to T8 should be revascularized, to prevent postoperative paraplegia. Replacing of extended thoracic aneurysm, our method (using partial extracorporeal circulation and segmental aortic clamping) was thought to prevent spinal cord ischemia.

[Surgical treatment of aortic arch aneurysm with coronary artery disease]

A 69-year-old man with aortic arch aneurysm was admitted for abnormal shadow of chest X-ray. Computed tomography (CT) and aortography revealed aneurysm of aortic arch. His coronary angiogram showed 60% stenosis at LMT (seg 5), 90% stenosis at LAD (seg 7) and 75% stenosis at LCX (seg 11). The graft replacement for arch aneurysm and CABG were performed simultaneously. Postoperative course was good. Postoperative angiogram demonstrated successful reconstruction of the aortic arch and patent three bypass grafts. This patient has been worked healthy 14 months postoperatively.

[Extravascular lung water in patients after cardiac surgery]

Extravascular lung water (EVLW) measured by a double indicator dilution method using thermal-dye indicator was evaluated in 204 patients after cardiac surgery during last 7 years. The measurement of EVLW was done at 2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 hours after extracorporeal circulation (ECC), EVLW showed no significant change except transient decrease at 4 hours after ECC, average of that was 7.62 +/- 3.58 ml/kg, EVLW of group I (MVR) and group III (AVR + MVR) were significantly higher than those of group II (AVR), group IV (noncyanotic congenital heart disease) and group V (A-C bypass). EVLW of 7 patients with postoperative pulmonary edema was 14.47 +/- 4.44 ml/kg, and that was significantly higher than those of others (7.54 +/- 3.06 ml/kg). EVLW of the patients using bubble oxygenator (8.60 +/- 3.90 ml/kg) was significantly higher than those of membrane oxygenator (7.15 +/- 3.40 ml/kg). Postoperative EVLW correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), mean left atrial pressure (LAP) and microvascular hydrostatic pressure (PMV), and showed inverse correlation with cardiac index (CI). But there was no correlation of EVLW with duration of ECC. In the preoperative parameter, EVLW correlated with age, mPAP, mean pulmonary wedge pressure (mPAWP), PMV, serum BUN and serum creatinine, and showed inverse correlation with CI, %VC, FEV%, PSP test and creatinine clearance. We concluded that the patients with mitral valve disease who have high mPAP and LAP, respiratory and renal dysfunction and old aged preoperatively showed upward trend of EVLW. In perioperative management, care must be taken in such patients and membrane oxygenator was thought useful for prevention of pulmonary edema.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hypertension in an adult with unilateral renal dysplasia

We report a 29-year-old Japanese female with severe hypertension and unilateral renal dysplasia, which is rarely found in adults. The involved kidney was surgically removed and then the blood pressure fell to borderline levels without any changes in plasma renin activity or plasma aldosterone concentration. Histological examinations revealed typical renal dysplasia without hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Unilateral renal dysplasia may be a cause of secondary hypertension in adults, though the mechanisms are still unknown.

Microscopic and immunohistological studies on intimal hyperplasia of the arterially implanted autovein graft and its anastomosis in dogs

The fate of intimal hyperplasia of arterially implanted autovein bypass grafts and their distal end-to-side anastomoses in dogs was studied microscopically and immunohistologically. The bypass grafting was done under conditions of abnormal blood flow and high peripheral resistance. Intimal hyperplasia of the graft first became evident 7 days after implantation and the thickness increased to about 500 microns 3 months or more after the implantation. The intimal hyperplasia was related to an active proliferation of smooth muscle cells which proved positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin staining. Moreover, it was more dominant at the toe and heel of the anastomosis and moderately apparent on the floor of the host artery. The constituent elements of the hyperplastic intima at the anastomosis were fibroblast-like cells and extracellular collagen fibers which were negative for alpha smooth muscle actin staining. This study revealed that the features of intimal hyperplasia at the distal anastomosis in autovein bypass grafting differed from those of the implanted autovein graft itself; the former being related to excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen fibers while the latter displayed an active proliferation of smooth muscle cells.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Report of two cases

We treated two patients with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. In one, the popliteal artery was entrapped and obstructed in its abnormal course around the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, which was inserted into the femur laterally and cephalad (type II in Delaney's classification). In the other patient, the popliteal artery followed a normal course but was compressed laterally by the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, which was aberrantly inserted into the femur considerably higher and more lateral than usual, and was occluded. This could not be fitted into Delaney's or Insua's classification. Arterial reconstruction was successful with an autovein graft in the former case and an in situ bypass graft in the latter. We suggest a modification of type IV in Delaney's classification, so that when the popliteal artery is compressed by an aberrant muscular or tendinous structure in the popliteal fossa it can be included.

Severe hypertension with segmental renal infarction following surgical removal of a retroperitoneal malignant hemangiopericytoma: a case report

Severe hypertension developed in a fifty-five year-old woman after surgical removal of a retroperitoneal tumor, when the renal artery was injured. Renal arteriography after the surgery demonstrated a segmental infarction of the right kidney. A close relationship between activation of the renin-angiotensin system and the development of severe hypertension was observed. Satisfactory control of blood pressure concomitant with reduction of plasma renin activity was achieved by a combination of an angiotensin-converting anzyme inhibitor, beta-blocking agent, and calcium-entry blocker. The mechanism of activation of the renin-angiotensin system in renal infarction is discussed.

Clinical studies on the vasodilating and anti-platelet effects of OP-41483, a prostacyclin derivative

The vasodilating and anti-platelet actions of OP-41483 was studied to determine the effective dose of this drug for the treatment of ischemic lower limbs. The compound was given to 11 patients intravenously at rates of 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 ng/kg/min. Infusion at a rate of 10 ng/kg/min increased the mean flow rate of the tibial arteries from 3.15 +/- 1.77 ml/min before the infusion, to 7.89 +/- 2.51 ml/min (p less than 0.001) and to 6.38 +/- 3.19 ml/min (p less than 0.001), at the time of, and 60 minutes after the cessation of the infusion, respectively. The peripheral flow resistance of the tibial arteries was reduced from 2.1 +/- 1.12 X 10(5) dyne.sec/cm5 before the infusion to 0.9 +/- 0.33 X 10(5) dyne.sec/cm5 (p less than 0.001) and to 1.2 +/- 0.78 X 10(5) dyne.sec/cm5 (p less than 0.05), at the time of, and 60 minutes after the cessation of the infusion. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was reduced from 73.3 +/- 17.6% before the infusion to 50.7 +/- 24.5% (p less than 0.01) and to 64.0 +/- 23.5% (p less than 0.05), at the time of, and 60 minutes after the cessation of the infusion, respectively. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation was also reduced from 71.4 +/- 24.0% to 66.6 +/- 21.5% before and after the infusion (p less than 0.05).

Crural artery bypass with adjunctive arteriovenous fistula. A modification in distal anastomosis

We carried out crural artery bypass with an adjunctive arteriovenous fistula in 8 lower extremities of 7 patients with severe ischemic symptoms and poor distal run-off. Mean blood flow rates in the implanted grafts ranged from 43 to 340 ml/min and those of the reconstructed crural arteries from 20 to 100 ml/min. A stenotic lesion was noted on postoperative angiogram in one patient and stasis symptoms caused by downward blood flow into the distal veins in another. The other patients have remained well with good function of the grafts 1-5 years after surgery. We modified the distal corner of the anastomosis as follows: three additional interrupted simple sutures were made on the anterior wall of the concomitant arteriotomy and venotomy incisions after making the common posterior wall of the vessel incisions. A vascular pocket formed at the distal corner of the anastomosis prevents stricture at the anastomosis. The vein is finally ligated just distal to the fistula to intercept downward blood flow into the distal veins. This modification in technique is recommended to prevent stricture of the distal anastomosis and postoperative stasis symptoms.

[A study on surgical cases of pulmonary aneurysm]

We performed 830 cases of open heart surgery in the past 12 years and two of those cases were complicated by pulmonary aneurysm. The first case was a 21-year-old female with annuloaortic ectasia and treated by partial resection and plication of the pulmonary aneurysm associating of partial resection and plication of the pulmonary aneurysm associating of Bentall's procedure. Pathological examination revealed the findings of Aortitis syndrome, i.e., inflammatory granuloma with round cells infiltration and fragmentation of elastic fibers in the medial as well as adventitial layers. The second case, a reoperation case, was a 44-year-old female with valvular disease, MSR, TSR, Pr and treated by partial resection of the pulmonary aneurysm associating with MVR, TVR, and PA valve plasty. Pathological examination revealed hyalin and necrobiotic degeneration of the media. Both cases involved had pulmonary hypertension suggesting a role for pulmonary hypertension along with organic changes of the vessel in the pathogenesis of the aneurysm.

Tissue and cellular distribution of alpha-L-iduronidase in the pig

We investigated the alpha-L-iduronidase activity of various pig tissues. Furthermore, we examined the tissues using antibody, enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and immunohistochemical methods. The amounts of enzyme measured by the EIA method in the various tissues were proportional to their enzyme activities and also to their immunohistochemical characteristics. The tissues could thus be classified into three groups: a high enzyme activity group composed of the liver, kidney, and spleen; a moderate activity group comprising the lung, lymph nodes, stomach, ileum, colon, and pancreas; and a low activity group consisting of the heart, diaphragm, iliopsoas muscle, cerebrum, cerebellum, and skin. The molecular weight of the enzyme in each tissue did not reveal any heterogeneity, having two components of 70 KD and 62 KD by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemically, alpha-L-iduronidase was strongly detected in the lysosomal membranes of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system, epithelial cells of the proximal tubules in the kidney, and some blastic cells, whereas hepatocytes revealed weak positive reactions. The tissue and cellular distribution of the enzyme appeared to have a close relation to tissues that manifest or are affected by alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency.

Venous reconstruction for iliofemoral venous occlusion facilitated by temporary arteriovenous shunt. Long-term results in nine patients

In nine patients with iliofemoral venous occlusion, venous reconstructions using a temporary arteriovenous shunt were performed by open thromboendvenectomy with autogenous vein patch angioplasty in four, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) bypass grafts (including two with external ring-supported ePTFE) in four, and Palma's procedure in one patient. There was an adequate function in the reconstructed venous segments in two of four who underwent thromboendvenectomy and in all four with ePTFE bypass grafting for nine months to 13 years after surgery. In those with a temporary arteriovenous shunt, prepared to maintain patency of the reconstructed venous segments, blood flow through the shunt exceeded 100 mL/min, determined by an electromagnetic flowmeter. Postoperative shunt closure was readily facilitated, using a looping technique and a 2-0 nylon. The increased blood flow through the graft made feasible by the temporary arteriovenous shunt enhanced the patency of the reconstructed venous graft and hence there was an improvement in the affected limb.