An alternative method for reconstructing the distal aortic arch through median sternotomy via the pleural window

Surgical Approaches to Single-Stage Extended Aortic Repair from the Ascending to the Distal Descending Aorta

Single-stage extended replacement from the ascending to the distal descending aorta or beyond is a formidable operation that should be preserved for those who have no other option or those who are physically fit, and should be performed in the experienced centers. Hybrid operations combining open surgical repair with thoracic endovascular aortic repair through a median sternotomy incision are preferable because these operations are less invasive than the extended open aortic repair and the risk of spinal cord ischemia is lower compared with the frozen elephant trunk operation. However, these operations are associated with the inherent demerits of endovascular aneurysm exclusion. When the underlying aortic pathology necessitates extended open aortic repair in a single stage, approaches such as the anterolateral partial sternotomy, straight incision with rib cross, and extended thoracotomy with sternal transection may be useful to provide sufficient exposure for both aortic reconstruction and organ protection, with less surgical stress to the patients.

Distal arch replacement for aortic aneurysm associated with pseudocoarctation through the L-incision approach

We report the case of a 16-year-old boy in whom we successfully repaired a distal aortic arch aneurysm associated with pseudocoarctation using double aortic cannulation and antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through the L-incision approach. This approach provided excellent exposure from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta, which enabled total body perfusion. We avoided cardiac arrest and hypothermic circulatory arrest during the surgery. The L-incision approach could be a better alternative for aortic arch surgery in adolescents.

Bicuspid aortic valve with critical coarctation of the aorta: single- or two-stage operation?

Background

A bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with critical coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a rare but dangerous congenital cardiac malformation. The aim of this study was to compare the benefits of a single- versus two-stage operation for patients of BAV with CoA.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 20 patients of BAV and CoA who underwent surgery from 2000 to 2016 in our center. Eight patients underwent a single-stage procedure through a median sternotomy approach, while 12 patients underwent two-stage operation.

Results

The patients' baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, and the overall mortality rate was 0%. No significant differences were found in the postoperative pressure gradient (P=0.64), use of implants (P=0.81), reoperation for bleeding, phrenic nerve injury, blood transfusion (P=1.00), or thromboembolic events between the two groups. However, patients in the single-stage group sustained less surgical trauma and ICU stay hours (P<0.01) than those in the two-stage group.

Conclusions

Performance of a single-stage operation was feasible for patients of BAV with CoA. It was a safe and optimal choice with less surgical trauma compared with a two-stage operation.

Open Stented Grafts for Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique: Technical Aspects and Current Outcomes

With growing experience in patients with aneurysms and dissections in the arch and proximal descending aorta, the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique has been shown to be safe and effective, and has achieved favorable short to mid-term outcomes. As the FET technique is gaining wider acceptance, there is a growing need for versatile, technically simple, and highly durable open stented grafts involving less complicated deployment mechanisms enabling use in various indications. This paper gives a brief review on the technical aspects and clinical outcomes of currently available open stented grafts used in the FET technique, including the E-vita Open Plus, Thoraflex Hybrid, Cronus, and J Graft. While none of these grafts can claim to be an ideal device, technology continues to improve towards this goal. As newer devices and systems are developed, more widespread use of the FET technique can be expected; such progress promises to improve the clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients with complex aortic diseases.

Single-Stage Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm through a Median Sternotomy in a Patient with Pseudocoarctation of the Aorta and Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

Pseudocoarctation of the aorta is a rare anomaly and considered a benign condition. Pseudocoarctation of the aorta has been associated with aneurysm formation in the thoracic aorta, which may cause sudden rupture or dissection. Thus, the presence of an aneurysm in combination with pseudocoarctation of the aorta is thought to be an indication for surgery. We present a case of pseudocoarctation of the aorta associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm and severe aortic valve stenosis with a bicuspid aortic valve. In our case, single-stage repair was performed through a median sternotomy using our "pleural-window approach."