Hidekazu Furuya

Long-term results and mid-term features of left ventricular reconstruction procedures on left ventricular volume, geometry, function and mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES We retrospectively analysed the long-term results and mid-term features of the surgical procedures on left ventricular (LV) volume, geometry, function and mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (antero-septal dominant) who underwent LV reconstruction (LVR). METHODS The LVR was mainly accomplished by the Dor procedure, modified by the Fontan stitch maintained by the base of the LV septum prior to the flattened-out elliptical patch closure. Other techniques such as the linear closure or septal anterior ventricular exclusion (SAVE) were used when indicated. Sixty patients were divided into three groups, undergoing LVR with the Dor procedure (n = 40), linear closure (n = 12) or SAVE (n = 8). The LV function, volume and sphericity (eccentricity index) were logged before the operation and 1 year after. RESULTS Survivors (79% at 7 years) showed a significant improvement in the LV ejection fraction from 35.1 ± 8.1 to 43.5 ± 11.5% and NYHA status from 2.9 ± 0.7 to 1.3 ± 0.6. The LV end-systolic volume index was significantly reduced from 110.3 ± 35.9 to 57.8 ± 20.7 ml/m(2) in the Dor, from 71.9 ± 10.3 to 52.9 ± 19.4 ml/m(2) in the linear closure and from 93.1 ± 14.5 to 47.9 ± 15.7 ml/m(2) in the SAVE group. The postoperative changes in the Dor group are characterized by the reduction in the significantly larger LV volume and a more spherical chamber (systolic eccentricity index from 0.82 ± 0.10 to 0.80 ± 0.09), although not significantly so compared with other techniques. The MR grade measured on echocardiography was reduced (from 1.9 ± 0.8 to 1.7 ± 0.8), with postoperative moderate MR in four Dor patients. CONCLUSIONS Despite the more spherical LV change, LVR led to a significant volume reduction (45%), still maintaining its physiological shape that confirmed an improved LV function and better long-term results. The Dor procedure could significantly reduce the larger LV volume without losing the end-systolic elliptical shape and mitral valvular competence like other techniques without the Fontan stitch.

The SYNTAX score is correlated with long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting for complex coronary artery lesions

OBJECTIVES We analysed retrospectively the long-term outcomes of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as employed routinely for complex coronary lesions by observing patients with low (0-22), intermediate (23-32) and high (≥33) SYNTAX scores. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the SYNTAX score and long-term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) including all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularization after CABG. METHODS The study enrolled 396 consecutive patients with stable and untreated left main and/or three-vessel disease, who had been referred to our heart team from 2000 through 2009. They all routinely underwent conventional CABG. The three groups (low score; n = 159, intermediate score; n = 150, high score; n = 87) were compared, looking at the primary endpoint of MACCE and its components. We also analysed the effects of diverse variables on long-term MACCEs after the operation. RESULTS The cumulative 10-year MACCE rates in patients with low, intermediate and high SYNTAX score were 25.3, 35.8 and 48.1%, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative event curves showed a significantly higher MACCE rate after CABG in patients with a higher SYNTAX score than in those with a lower score (log-rank P = 0.0012). This was mainly because of a significantly increased rate of repeat revascularization in the higher SYNTAX score group (log-rank P = 0.0032). The cumulative rate of repeat revascularization at 10 years in patients having low, intermediate and high SYNTAX score were, respectively, 4.6, 15.7 and 16.8%. The cumulative rates of the combined outcomes of death/stroke/MI at 10 years did not show statistical differences between the three groups (22.3% with low, 25.0% with intermediate and 38.4% with high score, log-rank P = 0.063). In the multivariable analysis, the SYNTAX score [hazard ratio (HR) 1.03, P = 0.0043] and logistic EuroSCORE II (HR 1.34, P = 0.0012) were found to be significant predictors of long-term MACCEs. CONCLUSIONS The SYNTAX score is correlated with long-term outcomes, in terms of MACCEs, after conventional CABG for complex coronary lesions and is prognostic of long-term outcomes of CABG for patients with complex lesions.

Mycotic Celiac Artery Aneurysm Following Infective Endocarditis: Successful Treatment Using N-butyl Cyanoacrylate with Embolization Coils.

Mycotic celiac artery aneurysm following infective endocarditis is extremely rare and, to our knowledge, only four cases have been reported in the literature to date. We describe the case of a 60 year-old man who developed a mycotic aneurysm of the celiac artery, which was detected by computed tomography (CT) following an episode of infective endocarditis. He successfully underwent endovascular isolation and packing of the aneurysm using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) with embolization coils.

Ultrasonographic Character of Carotid Plaque and Postprocedural Brain Embolisms in Carotid Artery Stenting and Carotid Endarterectomy

OBJECTIVE To investigate ultrasonographic character of carotid plaques, and incidences of brain embolism in carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS CEA (22/25 symptomatic lesions) and CAS (17/20 symptomatic lesions) between 2007 and 2010. Embolic protection devices (15 occlusion and 5 filtering devices) were used during CAS. Carotid plaques were classified into three categories (I: calcificated, II: intermediately echogenic, III: echolucent). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to investigate brain emboli. RESULTS Ultrasonographic character of the plaques in CEA cases (I: 4%, II: 88%, III: 8%) was different from the one in CAS cases (I: 10%, II: 90%, III: 0%). The incidence of brain embolism in the CAS cases was 52.6% while 0% in the CEA cases (p = 0.00037). CAS had high incidences of brain embolism in any plaques (I: 100%, II: 43.8%). In the most recent 9 procedures of CAS using occlusion devices, averaged number of embolic lesion was 1.0 (0 post operative day; 0 POD). The number increased as 1.4 (1 POD) and 2.0 (7 POD). CONCLUSION CEA should be currently the first choice for most patients with a high-grade and symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Long-term outcomes and comparison after conventional coronary artery bypass grafting for left main disease between patients classified as percutaneous coronary intervention recommendation classes II and III

OBJECTIVES We retrospectively analysed long-term outcomes after conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between patients having left main (LM) disease who should have been assigned class II and those assigned class III recommendation for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to the 2010 European Society of Cardiology and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines. METHODS From January 2000 to December 2009, conventional CABG was routinely employed in 180 consecutive patients with previously untreated and stable LM lesion. A comparison between two groups (CABG for PCI class II and CABG for PCI class III) was performed, looking at the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including all-cause death, stroke [cerebral vascular accident (CVA)], myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularization. We also analysed the effects of variables on MACCE at 8 years after the operation. RESULTS The overall 8-year MACCE rates were significantly lower in the CABG for PCI class II group than in the CABG for PCI class III group (9.7% class II vs 31.1% class III; P = 0.0005). This was largely because of an increased rate of repeat revascularization (1.2% class II vs 13.8% class III; P = 0.0029). The cumulative rate of the combined outcomes of all death/CVA/MI was significantly lower in the CABG for PCI class II group (8.5% class II vs 19.2% class III; P = 0.048); there was no observed difference between the groups for all-cause death, CVA and MI. The SYNTAX score was demonstrated to be the only significant predictor of combined outcomes (Death/CVA/MI) at 8 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.05, P = 0.023], repeat revascularization at 8 years (OR 1.11, P = 0.0013) and MACCE at 8 years (OR 1.07, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In our routine strategy of conventional CABG for LM disease, patients believed to be PCI candidates for LM disease have significantly better long-term outcomes as characterized by combined outcomes (Death/CVA/MI), repeat revascularization and MACCE. These results provide a suitable benchmark against which long-term outcomes of PCI for LM disease can be compared. The SYNTAX score, which was introduced to determine treatment for complex coronary disease, is indicative of long-term outcomes after CABG for LM disease.

Non-heart transplant surgical approaches with left ventricular restoration and mitral valve operation for advanced ischaemic cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of non-heart transplant surgical approaches to advanced ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), including left ventricular restoration (LVR) and mitral valve operation. METHODS Since September 2002, 102 consecutive patients (mean age 65, 18 females) with advanced ICM [ejection fraction (EF) <40%, left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) > 60 ml/m(2)] were treated using non-heart transplant procedures. A total of 84 patients with asynergy of large scar exceeding 35% of left ventricular (LV) perimeter underwent LVR, and 30 patients with greater than or equal to moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) underwent mitral valve operation such as annuloplasty (n = 23) and valve replacement (n = 7). Patients were divided into four groups according to their interagency registry for mechanically assisted circulatory support (INTERMACS) profiles: Profile 1-2 (the highest levels of clinical compromise; n = 9), Profile 3-4 (n = 40), Profile 5-6 (n = 32) and Profile ≥ 7 (n = 21). We compared the four groups, looking at survival, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), New York Heart Association (NYHA) status, LV volume and function. RESULTS The overall 8-year survival including 3 hospital deaths (2.9%) was 64.3% without sudden death due to arrhythmia. Ninety-nine survivors showed significant improvement in the mean NYHA status, from 2.9 to 1.4, and the mean EF (33.2-41.7%) (P < 0.0001). The mean LVESVI was significantly reduced from 104.1 to 61.4 ml/m(2) (41% volume reduction) (P < 0.0001). Seven-year survival in patients with Profiles 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and ≥ 7 were 50.0, 57.2, 60.3 and 95.2%, respectively (P = 0.13). Freedom from MACCE at 5 years in patients with Profiles 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and ≥ 7 were 29.6, 47.0, 67.2 and 95.2%, respectively (P = 0.0067). The improvements in NYHA status were significantly greater in patients with higher levels of clinical compromise (P < 0.0001), although, there was no significant difference in LV volume reduction and functional improvement among the four groups. Patients with Profile ≥ 7 had significantly better survival at 7 years (hazard ratio (HR): 0.11, P = 0.046) and freedom from MACCE at 5 years (HR: 0.053, P = 0.0066) compared with patients with Profiles 1-2. CONCLUSIONS Our non-heart transplant surgical approaches using LVR and mitral valve operation for advanced ICM yielded excellent long-term outcomes in terms of survival and NYHA status, even in patients who are potential candidates for heart transplantation or LV assist devices; and are encouraging in a very particular situation where heart transplantation is limited due to organ storage.

Surgical treatment of an interatrial septal paraganglioma

A 39-year-old man presented with chest pain. Chest radiography and echocardiography indicated a possible cardiac tumor. Echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the interatrial septum. The patient underwent tumor resection under cardiopulmonary bypass. A paraganglioma was diagnosed on the basis of histopathological findings.

Usage of External Shunt in Hybrid Approach for Aortic Arch Aneurysm to Restore Cerebral Oxygenation

A hybrid approach, combining open and endovascular procedures, may be a less invasive substitute to correct aortic arch pathologies in high-risk patients. We describe an 82-year-old male patient with an atherosclerotic aortic arch aneurysm, which was treated with proximal transposition of all arch branches and endovascular aortic arch repair. During the left common carotid artery reconstruction, oxygen saturation level of the left cerebral hemisphere decreased lower than the safety limit. To re-establish brain perfusion, we installed an external shunt from the right common femoral artery to the left common carotid artery. The oxygen saturation was restored to an acceptably safe level, and the patient tolerated the procedure without any signs of postoperative ischemic stroke.

Long-term outcomes and risk analyses of coronary bypass for left main disease

Background: We retrospectively analyzed the long-term outcomes and risk predictors of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting routinely employed for patients with left main disease. Methods: From January 2000 through December 2009, conventional coronary artery bypass grafting was routinely employed in 193 consecutive patients with left main disease. Long-term analyses were performed, looking at the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events which included all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization. We also analyzed the effects of variables on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 9 years after the operation. Results: The overall 9-year rates of combined outcomes (death, stroke, myocardial infarction), repeat revascularization, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were 20.2%, 8.9%, 27.7%, respectively. The SYNTAX score was demonstrated to be the only significant predictor of combined outcomes at 9 years (hazard ratio 1.04, p = 0.033), repeat revascularization at 9 years (hazard ratio 1.11, p = 0.0030), and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 9 years (hazard ratio 1.07, p = 0.0003). Conclusions: With our routine strategy of conventional coronary artery bypass for left main disease, patients revealed excellent long-term outcomes in terms of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. These results provide a suitable benchmark against which long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for left main disease can be compared. The SYNTAX score, which was introduced to determine treatment for complex coronary disease, is indicative of long-term outcomes after coronary artery bypass for left main disease.

External carotid-to-subclavian artery bypass in stent grafting of thoracic aorta.

Background A bypass between the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery has been made in some patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair that covers the orifice of the left subclavian artery. However, complications associated with temporary occlusion of the left common carotid artery are reportedly not uncommon. Methods Between January 2009 and September 2011, left external carotid-to-left subclavian artery bypass was made using a polytetrafluoroethylene graft in 15 patients undergoing a thoracic endovascular aortic repair that covered the orifice of the left subclavian artery. Adverse effects associated with the procedure were assessed, and patency of the bypass graft was determined by contrast-enhanced computed tomography before discharge and at least once during follow-up. Results All patients were discharged without any brain complications. All 15 bypass grafts were patent prior to discharge and during the follow-up period. One patient suffered temporary left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy postoperatively. No other sequelae were associated with left external carotid-to-left subclavian artery bypass. Conclusion Left external carotid-to-left subclavian artery bypass is a promising procedure in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair that covers the orifice of the left subclavian artery.