We performed the thromboexclusion procedure with reconstruction by an axillo-bifemoral bypass for unresectable abdominal aortic aneurysm combined with chronic renal faliure, and obtained satisfactory postoperative result. The patient was a 68-year-old male who suffered from a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and had a history of hypertension and chronic renal failure. The AAA was accompanied with a saccular portion 10cm in diameter which compressed and eroded the vertebral body. Aortic cross-clamping above the bilateral renal arteries was inevitable for resection in spite of the renal dysfunction. We decided that direct manipulation of the aneurysm was impossible despite it being on the verge of rupture, considering the high operative mortality. We employed the exclusion-bypass method to stabilize the aneurysm, that is, we constructed axillo-bifemoral bypass using a knitted Dacron T-graft 8mm in diameter and then intercepted the bilateral common iliac arteries by suture closure. Postoperative intraaneurysmal thrombosis progressed rapidly from the distal side, then it halted just below the bilateral renal arteries on the 12th postoperative day. Renal arterial flow was maintained and renal function improved. Bleeding from the operative wound occurred suddenly on the 5th postoperative day. Although this appeared to be disseminated intravascular coagulation initially, it had resulted from augmentation of fibrinolysis due do acceleration of coagulation. The markers of fibrinolysis for example α₂ plasmin inhibitor (α₂PI) and plasmin-α₂ plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) were useful for diagnosis, and tranexam acid and aprotinin were effective for therapy. Although the exclusion-bypass method is technically less invasive and useful for high-risk AAA, the postoperative management is not easy because of the acceleration of the coagulation-fibrinolysis system.

Since 1983, we have experienced endovascular treatment of intracranial AVMs.2)3) Superselective catheterization of feeding artery, embolization or feeding artery occlusion of the cerebral AVMs have been performed for 73 cases in 134 sessions. Endovascular treatment of intracranial AVMs such as embolization or feeding artery occlusion have been performed for 57 cases of AVMs in 95 sessions. In each time, endovascular approach was performed for two to five feeding arteries, so more than 300 feeding arteries were catheterized by microcatheters or balloon catheters. In this report, we present our experiences of endovascular treatment of intracranial AVMs and discuss embolic materials and the role of endovascular treatment of intracranial. AVMs.
Arteries ; Catheterization ; Catheters

A 14-year-old women who had a history of aortic root replacement at 7 years old admitted our hospital due to dilatation of aortic arch aneurysm. Loeys-Dietz syndrome was diagnosed when she was 10 years old. Computed tomography showed 70 mm proximal arch aneurysm. Operative findings revealed brachiocephalic artery and left common carotid artery branched from aneurysm. Partial arch replacement was performed and distal anastomosis was made between left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery. Close observation by CT regularly is necessary and undergo aortic repair not to miss the timing of surgery.

In the United States, the concepts of “Pay For Performance” and “Value-Based Health Care” were introduced, and it has been taken up as the way forward for the American health care systems. As one of the measures, an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) was included in the federal Affordable Care Act, and are being promoted for the purpose of balancing cost savings and good quality assurance in the healthcare field. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the system of ACO, which is one of the value-based health care systems and was introduced with the aim of balancing cost savings and good quality assurance of medical care, and also focus on the role of pharmacists in ACO and summarize their roles they are executing and expected. Furthermore, we discuss on what we should learn from the United States in considering the ideal medical care systems in Japan.

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of partially covered self-expandable metallic stents (PCSEMS) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemo (radio) therapy (NAC) for pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods: This was a prospective multicenter study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PCSEMS in patients receiving NAC for resectable and borderline resectable PC. The primary endpoint was the rate of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). Results: Twenty-six patients with PC (three with resectable PC and 23 with borderline resectable PC) who underwent NAC at seven Japanese centers were included in the analysis. Both the technical and functional success rates of PCSEMS placement were 100%. Early stent-related complications were observed in three patients (11.5%): mild pancreatitis (n=2) and mild liver abscess (n=1). The median time to surgery or palliation was 4.0 months. Surgical resection was eventually performed in 73.1% of patients, and stent removal during surgery was successful in all patients. RBO was observed in nine patients (34.6%): seven with stent occlusion, one with kinking and one with migration. The RBO rates in resected cases and nonresected cases were 36.8% and 28.6%, respectively. Conclusions Biliary drainage by PCSEMS was safe and feasible in patients undergoing NAC for resectable and borderline resectable PC.

Radiation-induced heart disease includes various types of cardiac disorders that occur after thoracic irradiation therapy. The coronary artery has been known to be affected in this kind of pathological condition. A 37-year-old man diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome was referred to our institution. He had received irradiation therapy for mediastinal malignant lymphoma at the age of 10 and 11 years. An extended thymectomy for a thymoma via median sternotomy was performed at 18 years old. He also underwent thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration for a pericardial effusion at 26 years old. Coronary angiography revealed severe stenosis of the left and right coronary ostia. Considering the patient's characteristics, including a history of thoracic irradiation therapy, radiation induced heart disease was suspected as a pathogenesis for severe ostial stenosis of the coronary arteries. He underwent conventional on-pump beating coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on an urgent basis. Neither internal thoracic artery was suitable for bypass conduit because of dense adhesion. Therefore, the radial artery and great saphenous vein were used as free grafts for coronary revascularization. Furthermore, partial clamping of the ascending aorta seemed to be difficult and inappropriate owing to severe adhesion, so proximal anastomosis devices were used without a side biting clamp. The postoperative course was uneventful and both bypass grafts were patent. Now, he is doing well 10 years after the CABG without any other cardiac event.

A 60-year-old man underwent aortic valve replacement for aortic valve regurgitation, tricuspid valve annuloplasty, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Postoperative echocardiography revealed shunted flow from the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva into the left atrium. The pathogenesis of this complication is considered to be uncertain ; however, it might be due to some kind of intraoperative injury. Three weeks after the initial surgery, we reoperated to repair the aorto-left atrial fistula. According to the intraoperative findings, small slits were found on the left atrial surface close to the posteromedial side of the mitral valve and the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva. The fistula was closed with transmural mattress sutures. Post-operative echocardiography showed no shunt flow. Although an aorto-left atrial fistula is a rare complication after aortic valve replacement, reoperation might be mandatory if the shunt flow is considerable. Surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of intraoperative injury to surrounding structures when performing aortic valve replacement.

Background/Aims: Bispectral index (BIS) monitors process and display electroencephalographic data are used to assess the depth of anesthesia. This study retrospectively evaluated the usefulness of BIS monitoring during endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Methods: This study included 725 consecutive patients who underwent EUS under sedation with propofol. BIS monitoring was used in 364 patients and was not used in 361. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) median dose of propofol; (2) respiratory and circulatory depression; (3) occurrence of body movements; (4) awakening score >8 at the time; and (5) awakening score 2 hours after leaving the endoscopy room. Results: The BIS group received a significantly lower median dose of propofol than the non-BIS group (159.2 mg vs. 167.5 mg; p=0.015) in all age groups. For patients aged ≥75 years, the reduction in heart rate was significantly lower in the BIS group than in the non-BIS group (1.2% vs. 9.1%; p=0.023). Moreover, the occurrence of body movements was markedly lower in the BIS group than in the non-BIS group (8.5% vs. 39.4%; p<0.001). Conclusions During EUS examination, BIS monitoring is useful for maintaining a constant depth of anesthesia, especially in patients 75 years of age or older.

A 77-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with a complaint of a sudden abdominal pain after receiving a hard blow to the abdomen. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed rupture of the abdominal aortic aneurysm with a massive retroperitoneal hematoma. Because of severe hemorrhagic shock, he underwent graft replacement with a woven bifurcated graft through a median laparotomy on an emergent basis. His postoperative course was uneventful and now he is doing well 3 years after surgery. Most blunt abdominal aortic injuries are caused by high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle collisions and fall injuries. Although body blow is considered as a low-energy trauma, abdominal aortic injury could be caused in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A 60-year-old man underwent open surgery for chronic dissecting abdominal aorta accompanied with a horseshoe kidney. Through open laparotomy, the abdominal aortic aneurysm was exposed without revision of the horseshoe kidney. Cold ringer solution was infused to accessory renal arteries for renal protection. After supra-renal clamping, proximal anastomosis was then performed at the level just below the renal arteries. Abdominal cross clamp time at the level of the supra-renal arteries was 23 min. Median and right accessory arteries were reattached with an ischemic time of 73 and 103 min, respectively. Although serum creatine was elevated a preoperative level of 1.17 mg/dl to 3.63 mg/dl at postoperative day 2, that was gradually decreased to nearly preoperative level of 1.25 mg/dl at discharge. Postoperative enhanced CT demonstrated patency of the reattached accessory arteries. The patient was discharged without major complication on postoperative day 21. One year postoperatively, his follow-up course was uneventful without deterioration of renal function.