Left Internal Mammary Artery to Left Anterior Descending Artery. An Alternative for old, High-Risk, Multivessel, Coronary Artery Disease Patients and an Approach for Hybrid Revascularization

In 1997, the first ambulatory off-pump left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) anastomosis was performed via xiphoid approach, an intervention known today as the MINI-OPCAB operation. This operation has been performed in more than 150 patients around the world for the management of single and multiple vessel coronary artery disease, and 70 of those cases underwent the procedure in our Foundation from 1997 to 2021, showing no operative mortality or reintervention rates, low conversion rates, early hospital discharge, and 100% graft patency at the follow-ups. The minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) procedure was introduced in 1994 by Benetti from Argentina, and was developed based on our previous experience performing off-pump coronary surgery by manipulating the ascending aorta through a left-sided small thoracotomy. Although it represents one of the most common minimally invasive procedures done worldwide, the original technique is not easy to reproduce, and in most cases the pleura is opened, which increases patients pain, morbidity, hospital length of stay, and hinders the realization of immediate hybrid revascularization after the procedure. The latest minimally invasive approaches for CABG include robotic-assisted procedures, in which the IMAs are harvested using robotic technology or the whole procedure is done using robotic technology. This approach has shown adequate short-term clinical results, however, there are no studies available reporting the procedure’s long-term results. Conclusion: The MINI-OPCAB operation is a friendly approach to perform Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Surgery in old, high-risk, multivessel coronary artery disease patients, and it represents a good intervention alternative for the majority of cardiac surgeons and cardiac specialized centers. We also consider this approach as ideal for patients who further require Hybrid Revascularization; however, more experience is needed to validate this initials results.

Hybrid revascularization of the heart and brain: which carotid endarterectomy is preferable?

The aim of this study was to analyse the inpatient and long-term results of hybrid surgery, incorporating percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and different types of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Materials and methods. A prospective, open-label cohort comparison study was conducted in 20182020 and included 363 patients with atherosclerosis of both the internal carotid artery (ICA) and coronary artery, who underwent hybrid revascularization of the brain and myocardium. All patients were divided into four groups based on the revascularization strategy: group 1 (n = 107; 29.5%) PCI + eversion CEA; group 2 (n = 98; 27%) PCI + classic CEA with patch angioplasty; group 3 (n = 72; 19.8%) PCI + glomus-sparing CEA according to R.A. Vinogradov; and group 4 (n = 86; 23.7%) PCI + glomus-sparing CEA according to A.N. Kazantsev. The follow-up period was 20.8 8.0 months. The patient received a loading dose of clopidogrel (300 mg) before the PCI, and the procedure was then performed in an endovascular operating room. A radial artery catheter was inserted, and the patient received 10,000 IU of intravenous heparin before the procedure. After the PCI, the patient was taken to the vascular operating room, where they underwent the CEA. The patient received 5,000 IU of intravenous heparin before artery clamping. Glomus-sparing CEA according to A.N. Kazantsev was performed as follows: an arteriotomy was conducted along the internal edge of the external carotid artery (ECA), adjacent to the carotid sinus and 23 cm above the ostium, and extending to the common carotid artery (CCA) (also 23 cm below the ECA ostium), depending on the size of the atherosclerotic plaque. The ICA was transected in the area bound by the ECA and CCA walls. Eversion CEA of the ICA was performed, followed by open CEA of the ECA and CCA. The ICA was implanted in its previous position in the preserved area. Results. No mortality was recorded during the inpatient follow-up period. All cases of myocardial infarction occurred after eversion and classic CEA: 3 in group 1 (2.8%) and 1 in group 2 (1.02%); р = 0.2. No ischaemic stroke was recorded only in patients who underwent CAE according to A.N. Kazantsev (р = 0.66); however, ischaemic stroke occurred in two patients in group 1 (1.8%), in two patients in group 2 (2.04%) and in one patient in group 3 (1.38%). The highest number of cardiovascular events occurred in group 1, due to carotid glomus injury, which led to poorly controlled hypertension during the inpatient stay. This tendency influenced the composite endpoints (death + myocardial infarction + ischaemic stroke), which were highest in group 1 (5 or 4.6%) compared to 3 (3.06%), 1 (1.38%) and 0 in groups 24, respectively (р = 0.18). The groups were comparable in the frequency of long-term complications. However, the incidence of ICA restenosis was lowest and no ECA thrombosis/occlusion was observed after glomus-sparing CEA according to R.A. Vinogradov and A.N. Kazantsev. Conclusion. A hybrid PCI + CEA for brain revascularization should be glomus-sparing. CEA according to A.N. Kazantsev was characterized by lack of procedural arteriotomy complications. This procedure enables blood pressure monitoring in the postoperative period, thus minimizing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

FORMATION OF OUTFLOW PATHWAYS IN PATIENTS WITH COMBINED STENOTIC-OCCLUSIVE LESIONS OF THE FEMORAL AND TIBIAL ARTERIAL SEGMENTS

The aim of the study. To prevent the development of postoperative thrombosis of the reconstruction segment after endovascular and hybrid revascularization of the femoral-distal arterial portion in the conditions of stenotic-occlusive process of the tibial arteries by forming functionally capable pathways in the tibial segment. Materials and methods. The results of treatment 135 patients with atherosclerotic occlusive-stenotic lesions of the infrainguinal arterial segment of the lower extremities were analyzed. According to the severity violation of chronic arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities, grade IIB was detected in 50 (37.04%) patients, grade III - in 63 (46.66%) examinee, grade IV- in 22 (16.30%) examinee. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 61 (45.19%) patients with occlusal-stenotic lesions at the level of the infrainguinal segment, who underwent only endovascular correction of the peripheral arterial portion, the second group consisted of 74 (54.81%) patients with multilevel occlusive-stenotic lesions of the infrainguinal arterial segment which was performed hybrid arterial reconstruction. Results and discussion. The proposed tactic involves endovascular angioplasty of at least two tibial arteries. During revascularization of 135 patients by endovascular (61 supervision) and hybrid (74 supervision) methods of a femoral-distal arterial blood flow under conditions of arterial sclerotic disease of tibial arteries carried out in 115 (85,18%) patients endovascular dilatation of two arteries. Thrombosis of the reconstruction segment in the postoperative period was finding in 9 (6.67%) cases: when using endovascular and hybrid revascularization methods, respectively - in 4 (6.56%) and 5 (6.76%) cases. Thrombosis of the reconstruction segment in the early postoperative period in 8 cases developed after endovascular angioplasty of one of the tibial arteries and only in 1 observation after endovascular angioplasty of 2 tibial arteries. Conclusion. Reconstruction of outflow pathways at the tibial arterial segment with occlusive-stenotic lesions of the infranguinal arterial portion during endovascular and hybrid techniques of revascularization by performing angioplasty of the two tibial arteries of the tibia can provide a positive result of revascularization in the early postoperative period, respectively in 95.08% and 95.95% of cases.

Patient doses in endovascular and hybrid revascularization of aortoiliac segment

Objectives: Constantly increasing number of procedures performed – endovascular or hybrid in patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease during the last decades finds its explanation in the lower morbidity and mortality rates, compared to bypass surgery. The purpose of the current survey was to estimate patients’ radiation exposure in aortoiliac segment after endovascular or hybrid revascularization and to study the main factors which have direct contribution. Methods: A retrospective study of 285 procedures conducted with the help of a mobile C-arm system in 223 patients was performed. Procedures were grouped according to criteria such as: type of intervention, vascular access, level of complexity and operating team. Different analyses were performed within the groups and dose values. Results: The median values of kerma–air product (KAP), the number of series and the peak skin dose (PSD) significantly increase with the increasing number of vascular accesses: for one access (16.68 Gy.cm2, 6 and 336 mGy), for two (56.93 Gy.cm2, 11 and 545 mGy), and for three (102.28 Gy.cm2, 15 and 781 mGy). Significant dependence was observed in the case of single access site between the type of access and the dose values: hybrid and retrograde common femoral artery/superficial femoral artery (CFA/SFA) endovascular accesses, 10.06 Gy.cm2/301 mGy and 13.23 Gy.cm2/318 mGy respectively, in contrast with the contralateral CFA and left brachial access, 33 Gy.cm2/421 mGy and 38.33 Gy.cm2/448 mGy respectively. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the most important factors increasing the dose values are number and type of vascular accesses, followed by the combination and number of implanted stents with the complexity of the procedure. The PSD values for a single procedure were between 2 and 12 times lower than those IAEA proposed as trigger levels for radiation-induced erythema. This study shows that trigger levels were not reached even for patients with repeated procedures in the same segment in 1-year period. Advances in knowledge: The study gives important understanding and clarity on the growing awareness for dose-modifying factors during endovascular and hybrid revascularization of aortoiliac segment.

MINI OPCAB Operation: Surgical Technique

Introduction: We describe how to perform left internal mammary artery (LIMA) bypass to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, the so-called MINI Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass (MINI OPCAB). Materials and Methods: We included patients with a demonstrated predominant ischemia related to the LAD territory. Of 70 patients who were operated upon at the Benetti Foundation, 10 received hybrid revascularization. Surgical Technique: The patient is prepared as for a standard coronary bypass operation through sternotomy. The sternum is opened to the 3rd or 4th intercostal space depending on the anatomy, and a retractor is put in place. The left mammary artery is generally dissected to about 8 cm and isolated without the veins. Importantly, the angle of the superior part, where the mammary artery is attached to the sternum, needs to be below 20% to avoid any potential kinking. The pericardium is cleaned to identify the area of the pulmonary artery. The pericardium is opened to the apex and towards the right to around 5 to 6 cm initially. In most cases, the area of the LAD can be seen and the potential area of the anastomosis is defined. The patient is heparinized and the LAD is occluded with 5-0 Proline. A mechanical stabilizer is put in place and the anastomosis is performed. When the bypass is finished, and before sutures are tied, the stitches of 5-0 polypropylene around the artery are released, along with the clamp of the mammary artery; the anastomosis is then tied. The mechanical stabilizer is removed, the stitches of the pericardium are released and the flow of the graft is measured, while ensuring that there is no kinking. If the flow and Pulsatility and Resistance (PR) are acceptable, the mammary is fixed with 2 stitches of 7-0 polypropylene on both sides around 1 cm from the anastomosis. The heparin is reverted with protamine and a drain is put in place, while taking care to avoid any chance of touching the mammary artery or the anastomosis. The sternum is closed with 1 or 2 wires. Results: Operative mortality in this series was 0%; one patient was converted to sternotomy off-pump (1.4%). None of the grafts were revised after measurement with a Medistim system (Medistim ASA, Oslo, Norway). Fifty five patients (79%) were extubated in the operating room The average hospitalization stay was 60 hours (SD 17, 95% CI). Sixteen patients who underwent the LIMA-to-LAD procedure were restudied, with 100% patency. At 144 months, 82% of the patients were alive and 68% were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Additional clinical experience is required to be able to reproduce this operation on a large scale and expand the MINI OPCAB operation in hybrid revascularization.

A survey of Canadian surgeons on the indications for home care nursing following vascular surgery

Background: Recent evidence suggests that home care nursing is variably prescribed after vascular surgery, and may reduce emergency department visits and hospital readmissions. We therefore sought to characterize the indications for home care nursing following vascular surgery from the surgeon’s perspective. Methods: An online survey was distributed to the 141 members of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery with questions related to home care nursing after carotid endarterectomy (CEA), endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and open or hybrid revascularization for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We included all questionnaires in our analysis; the frequency denominator changes according to the number of respondents who completed each survey item. Results: There were 46 survey respondents (33% of 141) from across the country. A total of 28 (62% of 45) worked in a teaching hospital. Home care nursing was routinely prescribed by 5%, 10%, 31% and 41% of respondents following CEA, EVAR, open AAA repair and open or hybrid revascularization for PAD, respectively. Across all procedure types, the same procedure-related criteria were most often deemed to warrant a prescription for home care nursing: surgical site infection, wound complications (e.g., open wound, lymphatic leak) and use of negative-pressure wound therapy. Across all procedure types, lack of social support, physical frailty and cognitive impairment were most frequently identified as patient-specific considerations for prescribing home care nursing. Few respondents reported restrictions or standards that informed their prescribing practice. Conclusion: Most surgeon respondents agreed on the indications for home care nursing after vascular surgery. However, evidence-based standards to guide patient selection for home care nursing after vascular surgery are needed.