No abstract

Background/Introduction Many risk factors have been shown to be independently predictive of the success of fast-track for post cardiac surgery patients. While a safe fast-track protocol is important, patient selection is crucial too in determining the success of fast-tracking patients. Aims/Objectives We aim to improve on our fast-track protocol by identifying risk factors affecting extubation time in our institution.

Purpose: To report a candy-plug technique using a Zenith Alpha stent-graft to occlude the distal false lumen in a patient with a complicated chronic type B aortic dissection. Case Report: A 50-year-old male smoker presented with chest pain due to rapidly growing complicated chronic type B aortic dissection. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed the dissection extending from distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery (LSA) down to the left femoral artery. There was fusiform aneurysmal dilatation of the proximal descending aorta measuring up to 5.8 cm in diameter. He underwent left carotid–subclavian artery bypass, thoracic endovascular aortic repair with a Zenith Alpha stent-graft, a left common carotid artery chimney, and embolization of the proximal LSA. Serial CTA showed persistent false lumen flow. A decision was made to occlude the distal large false lumen using the candy-plug technique. A 44×125-mm Zenith Alpha stent-graft was used to prepare the candy plug. A gutter leak and a type Ia endoleak were embolized via a left brachial artery approach. At 2.5 years, imaging showed the candy plug in position, no endoleak, and the thrombosed false lumen in the thoracic aorta reduced in size. Conclusion: The candy-plug technique is useful in facilitating complete occlusion of the false lumen in chronic aortic dissection, which avoids an open procedure and the risk of higher morbidity.

Background/Introduction Peripheral vascular disease is commonly associated with concomitant coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure. Aims/Objectives We aim to perform a cohort study to evaluate if revascularization of lower limb is sufficient for wound healing in patients with impaired cardiac function.

Aortic regurgitation is a rare and serious presentation of Behçet's disease. Here we describe a case of missed diagnosis of Behçet's disease in a 37-year-old man, causing symptomatic aortic regurgitation. Perioperative diagnosis of Behçet's aortitis is crucial because surgical intervention carries high reoperative morbidity and mortality.