Prosthetic graft infection after arch replacement surgery is a serious complication that is often resistant to antibiotics. However, graft replacement is difficult and is very invasive. We performed anterior small thoracotomy drainage and intermittent lavage in 2 patients. First, the prosthetic graft was approached via a left third intercostal thoracotomy. After the ablation of infected tissues and cleansing with saline, drains were placed both proximally and distally to the vascular graft. An irrigation withdrawal drain was then implanted in the left thoracic cavity. After surgery, diluted povidone iodine solution, pyoktanin solution, and saline were used for pleural lavage. Case 1 : An 82-year-old man underwent arch replacement for a ruptured aortic arch aneurysm in November 2005. He suffered from high-grade fever from March 2008 and was referred to our hospital from another hospital with a diagnosis of vascular graft infection. A small anterior thoracotomy and drainage were performed on April 9. Pleural lavage with povidone iodine solution was performed 9 days after surgery, then was performed with saline from days 10-13 after surgery. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 30. Case 2 : A 58-year-old man complained of high-grade fever from March 16, 2009. He had undergone arch replacement for an aortic arch aneurysm in 1997. He consulted a physician and was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of vascular graft infection. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was identified by blood culture. A small anterior thoracotomy and drainage were performed on March 24. Immediately after surgery pleural lavage was performed with pyoktanin blue solution changing to povidone iodine on postoperative day 10. Pleural lavage was continued until day 34, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 64. In both cases, drainage and pleural lavage with antibiotic solutions improved the patients' general condition. The infections have not recurred since discharge. Small anterior thoracotomy for graft infection after arch replacement, in addition to being minimally invasive, can avoid the need for a second median sternotomy, and can provide an adequate view of the full length of the arch prosthetic graft.

Mitral valve replacement (MVR) is an effective method to treat mitral valve regurgitation (MR) associated with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) because of systolic anterior movement (SAM) of anterior leaflet. We retrospectively investigated results of mitral valve surgery concomitant with septal myectomy for MR with HOCM. Between August 2008 to July 2009, 7 patients underwent septal myectomy. Among them, 6 patients who had moderate or severe MR preoperatively were objects of this study. Pre and post operative clinical conditions, findings of echocardiogram, and operative techniques employed in each patient were reviewed. Four patient successfully underwent mitral valve plasty (MVP) with septal myectomy. One patient needed only septal myectomy because MR subsequently disappeared with resolution of SAM. One patient resulted in MVR after attempted mitral valve plasty (MVP). SAM disappeared in all patients who had MVP, and residual MR was mild or less. Pressure gradient of left ventricular outflow significantly decreased in all cases. All patients discharged hospital uneventfully. Plication of posterior leaflet, anterior leaflet augmentation if necessary, and prudent use of annuloplasty ring seemed to be effective for successful MVP in HOCM patients. MVP is feasible even in patients with MR derived from HOCM.

Minimally invasive surgery is associated with a faster postoperative recovery because of reduced postoperative pain and improved respiratory function, especially in elderly patients. We began using a minimally invasive approach (small parasternal incision) for isolated aortic valve replacement (MICS AVR) from January 2011. Between January 2011 and February 2012, 32 patients underwent MICS AVR surgery. The mean age was 73 years (range 57-85 years) ; 69% were women. MICS AVR was performed through a skin incision of 6.5±0.5 cm along the third intercostal space. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through the right femoral artery and vein. The patients were cooled to 28°C, the aorta was crossclamped with a flex clamp, and antegrade cardioplegic solution was given into the aortic root or selectively into the coronary ostia. The aortic valve procedure was performed in a standard fashion. If the distance to the aortic valve was too far, we used surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgery. Conversion to a conventional approach was not necessary in any patient. Mean overall operative time was 250±49 min, cardiopulmonary bypass 140±34 min, and crossclamp time 99±22 min. Mean ICU stay was 1.2±0.5 days and length of hospital stay was 10.3±2.2 days. There was no re-operation for bleeding or surgical site infection. MICS AVR was safe and feasible with excellent outcome. The advantages of this procedure include reduced bed rest, decreased postoperative pain, avoidance of deep sternal wound infection, and cosmetically attractive results. We now use the minimally invasive approach whenever possible. We report an early outcome, experience, strategy, and surgical technique.