[Transposition of internal carotid artery over hypoglossal nerve in eversion carotid endarterectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze in-hospital and long-term results of eversion carotid endarterectomy (CEE) with transposition of internal carotid artery (ICA) over hypoglossal nerve.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort prospective open-label study included 919 patients with severe ICA stenosis for the period from January 2017 to April 2020. The 1st group (n=172) included patients who underwent eversion CEE with ICA transposition over hypoglossal nerve; the 2nd group (n=747) - who underwent conventional eversion CEE. ICA transposition technique included standard mobilization of the carotid arteries, cross-clamping, arterial wall incision, removal of atherosclerotic plaque and ICA translocation above the hypoglossal nerve for subsequent anastomosis. All patients were examined every 6 months. Mean follow-up period was 17.5±6.9 months.

RESULTS

There were no significant between-group differences in cardiovascular morbidity. However, all complications occurred in the 2nd group (traditional eversion CEE). Nevertheless, incidence of adverse events was minimal and combined endpoint did not exceed 0.6% (n=5). Both groups were also comparable by overall incidence of cardiovascular events in long-term period. All ICA restenoses (over 70%) were symptomatic with similar incidence (4 (2.3%) vs. 18 (2.4%), respectively, p=0.83; OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.32-2.88). Mean restenosis-free period was 7.2±2.6 months. In case of significant restenosis, redo CEE with patch repair was performed. There were no cardiovascular complications. All cases of hypoglossal nerve injury occurred in the 2nd group (0 vs. 18 (100%), respectively; p=0.0001; OR 0.003; 95% CI=5.21-0.17) without ICA transposition over the hypoglossal nerve.

CONCLUSION

Eversion CEE with ICA transposition over the hypoglossal nerve ensures optimal conditions for successful redo CEE in case of restenosis. This technique facilitates ICA mobilization without hypoglossal nerve injury. This aspect is valuable for successful postoperative outcome and adequate quality of life. ICA transposition is not difficult and does not require additional experience. Transposition per se is not a risk factor of ICA restenosis. Thus, ICA transposition may be routinely recommended in patients eligible for eversion CEE.

[Results of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients of different age groups]

BACKGROUND

Myocardial revascularization involves a wide range of invasive strategies aimed at treating ischaemic heart disease in patients of different age groups.

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients depending on age.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 905 patients enrolled in our study were subdivided into groups based on age-related characteristics (young age, middle age, old age, senile age). The endpoints of follow up were as follows: myocardial infarction, acute impairment of cerebral circulation, death and haemorrhagic complications.

RESULTS

It should be mentioned that the groups were comparable by the majority of the parameters studied. No statistically significant differences in the frequency of the development of complications in the postoperative period were observed. However, amongst patients over 75 years old, revision of the mediastinum for haemorrhage was performed more often.

DISCUSSION

Patients of different age groups undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting are extremely heterogeneous by the clinical, anamnestic, instrumental and intraoperative characteristics. A high frequency of haemorrhagic complications amongst patients over 75 years old may be explained by a more aggressive approach to the regimens of anticoagulant/antiaggregant therapy resulting form the presence of atrial fibrillation. In its turn, this fact determines the probability of a high frequency of the development of adverse cardiovascular events. An individual approach to the choice and scope of the strategy of revascularization in patients of different age groups is the fundamental principle for an optimal outcome of coronary surgery.

CONCLUSION

The obtained findings and analysis of the statistical data are indicative of the necessity of personified selection of the technique of a surgical intervention for each particular patient, which will make it possible to decrease the rate of adverse cardiovascular events in the postoperative period.