Para-anastomotic aneurysms may have dangerous complications such as rupture and thrombosis, with consequent loss of life. As these complications are associated with high mortality rates, early detection and prompt surgical treatment are important. Repair of para-anastomotic aneurysms may be challenging and the surgical approach should be carefully planned. A 66-year-old man had undergone thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair 18 years previously. The diameter of the distal aortic anastomosis was gradually increasing. We comprehensively discussed the surgical approach preoperatively, including consideration of spinal cord protection. Abdominal aortic graft replacement was performed through a midline abdominal incision, with cross-clamping on the proximal side of the aneurysm, continuous intravenous infusion of naloxone, and segmental aortic clamping with distal aortic perfusion and selective visceral perfusion. The left renal artery was reconstructed, and the inferior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries were preserved.

The aim of this study was to clarify the comorbidities of patients with Leriche syndrome and ischemic heart disease. We enrolled 26 patients with Leriche syndrome and who had undergone preoperative coronary angiography were enrolled. The comorbidities of diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease developed in more than half of Leriche patients with Leriche syndrome. Marked coronary artery disease was diagnosed in 14 patients, 7 of whom underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. The Revascularization procedures performed in patients with Leriche syndrome were anatomical aortofemoral bypass in 15 and an extra-anatomical axillofemoral bypass in 9. In 2 cases of extra-anatomical bypass, occlusion developed in the long-term.

It has been demonstrated that atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently occurs after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and may cause cerebral infarction. The purpose of this research is to clarify the risk factors of AF in patients who underwent off-pump CABG (OPCABG). In this study, 142 patients (111 men and 31 women) were enrolled with an average age of 67 years old (range, 33-83). According to multivariate analysis, age and the preoperative peak early (E)/late (A) diastolic velocities ratio (E/A) were the independent predictors of postoperative AF. Patients who suffered from postoperative AF required a significantly longer hospital stay.

We reviewed our experience with 19mm size aortic valve prostheses for cases with small aortic annulus. Forty-six patients operated on between 1990 and Septembr 2002 were enrolled in this study. Clinical late assessment was performed to evaluate the incidence of valverelated complications, residual transprosthetic gradient, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and NYHA functional class. Postoperative echocardiography was performed to evaluate hemodynamic performance of the prostheses. Follow up was 1 to 12.7 years (mean 5.3±3.6). There was no hospital mortality (0%). Actuarial survival rates at 10 years were 81.4±1.5%. The late postoperative peak gradient was 25±11mmHg. LVMI was significantly reduced in late phase. NYHA functional class significantly improved in the late period. Although 19mm size aortic valve prosthesis remains small transprosthetic pressure gradient, LVMI significantly reduced and patient activity was satisfactory maintained in the late period.

The patient was a 49-year-old male who had undergone total arch replacement with Elephant trunk procedure for acute aortic dissection Stanford type A at another institution. Eight months post-surgery, he presented with hematuria and jaundice. Mechanical hemolysis by grafts was considered, and he was referred to our hospital. Subsequently, we conducted transesophageal echocardiography, which revealed the inversion of felt strips at the proximal anastomosis site, accompanied by blood turbulence at the same site. Consequently, we established a diagnosis of mechanical hemolysis attributed to the inversion of the inner felt strip within the anastomosis, prompting a redo surgery. The utilization of felt strips for reinforcing the anastomosis has become a prevalent technique in ascending aortic replacement for acute aortic dissection. This technique serves to mitigate hemorrhage from the anastomosis and counteract the formation of pseudoaneurysms. In this study, we report an uncommon complication caused by the presence of felt strips within the anastomosis.

We present herein the case of a 45-year-old man with a coronary artery aneurysm (diameter 19 mm) in the proximal part of the left anterior descending branch associated with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). As coronary angiography showed #6 : 100% and #12-2 : 90%, and Tc-99 m myocardial scintigraphy showed exertional ischemia in the anterior septum, revascularization was considered to be indicated. Prednisolone and mepolizumab were administered preoperatively to suppress the activity of vasculitis due to eosinophilia, and surgery was performed when the eosinophil count normalized. The patient underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (LITA-LAD, SVG-OM2). The patient was discharged, and the postoperative course was uneventful. In coronary artery bypass grafting for EGPA, eosinophils may infiltrate the internal thoracic artery and result in vasculitis, which may affect the patency rate. Perioperative management of vasculitis may thus be important.