Satoshi Kawatsu

Selective Cerebral Perfusion with the Open Proximal Technique during Descending Thoracic or Thoracoabdominal Aortic Repair: An Option of Choice to Reduce Neurologic Complications

PURPOSE Selective cerebral perfusion with the open proximal technique for thoracoabdominal aortic repair has not been conclusively validated because of its procedural complexity and unreliability. We report the clinical outcomes, particularly the cerebroneurological complications, of an open proximal procedure using selective cerebral perfusion. METHODS A retrospective chart review identified 30 patients between 2007 and 2015 who underwent aortic repair through left lateral thoracotomy with selective cerebral perfusion, established through endoluminal brachiocephalic and left carotid artery and retrograde left axillary artery. RESULTS The mean durations of the open proximal procedure and cerebral ischemia (the duration of the open proximal procedure minus the duration of selective cerebral perfusion) were 110.3 ± 40.1 min and 24.8 ± 13.0 min, respectively. There were two cases (7%) of permanent neurologic dysfunction (PND) but no in-hospital deaths. Multivariate analysis identified the duration of cerebral ischemia as an independent risk factor for neurologic complications including temporary neurologic dysfunction (TND; odds ratio (OR): 1.13; p = 0.007), but no correlation was found between selective cerebral perfusion duration and neurologic complications. CONCLUSION Despite the relatively long duration of the open proximal procedure, selective cerebral perfusion has a potential to protect against cerebral complications during thoracic aortic repair through a left lateral thoracotomy.

Successful management of antibody-mediated rejection after cardiac transplantation in a patient supported by a left ventricular assist device for more than 3 years

Due to donor shortage, patients with refractory heart failure need to be supported on mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Critically, patients undergo several deployments of MCS in stages inevitably requiring blood products transfusion. MCSs per se along with blood products can trigger immune allosensitization. Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is associated with significant mortality after heart transplantation. Here, we present the case with high panel-reactive antibody over 95% who developed AMR early after heart transplantation. This life-threatening complication was successfully treated with multi-modal treatment including anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab.

Modification of a Standard Thoracoabdominal Incision to Preserve Collaterals to Adamkiewicz Artery

We report a case of a 35-year-old male who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic repair of a chronic dissecting aortic aneurysm, Crawford extent II. Preoperative computed tomography showed thrombosis of almost all intercostal arteries. Precise diagnostic assessment demonstrated the Adamkiewicz artery originating from the left lateral thoracic artery and subscapular artery, which would have been at risk after using a standard Stoneys incision, thus potentially causing paraplegia or paraparesis due to spinal cord ischemia. We modified the lateral thoracic incision anteriorly and successfully preserved the collateral arteries without impairing the spinal cord function.

Modifying Anastomotic Site in Thoracic Aortic Surgery by Using Biodegradable Felt Strips With or Without Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

Results: The medial thickness in the PTFE group was significantly lower than that of the PGA with bFGF group (66±5% versus 90±4% of control, < 0.05). The adventitial layer in the PTFE group significantly decreased in thickness compared to control (42±8% of control, < 0.05), whereas those in the PGA and PGA with bFGF groups significantly thickened (117±11 and 134±14% of control, respectively, < 0.05), which was associated with increased vessel number. The failure force measured at anastomotic sites did not show statistical difference between the four groups.