Ann Thorac Surg 2003;75:121-125
© 2003 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Original article: cardiovascular
Total aortic arch replacement through the L-incision approach
Ryuji Tominaga, MDa*,
Kazuhiro Kurisu, MDa,
Yoshie Ochiai, MDa,
Atsuhiro Nakashima, MDa,
Munetaka Masuda, MDa,
Shigeki Morita, MDa,
Hisataka Yasui, MDa
a Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kyushu University, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
Accepted for publication August 12, 2002.
* Address reprint requests to Dr Tominaga, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, 2-1-1, Bashaku, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu 802-0077, Japan
e-mail: tominaga21{at}fk.enjoy.ne.jp
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Even though the median sternotomy is the standard approach for surgery involving the aortic arch, access to the site of distal anastomosis is problematic when the aortic pathology involves the distal arch. We recently developed an "L-incision" approach (a combination of a left anterior thoracotomy and upper half median sternotomy) for total arch replacement.
METHODS: We reviewed our surgical technique and operative results for 11 patients who underwent total aortic arch replacement through the L-incision between July 1999 and July 2000. With a patient in a left anterolateral position, a left anterior thoracotomy was performed through the fourth to sixth intercostal space. An upper half median sternotomy followed. Operative exposure was enhanced with spring retractors. The proximal anastomosis (between the four branched graft and ascending aorta) was accomplished first. Upon completion of the proximal anastomosis, the heart was reperfused from one branch of the graft. The three arch vessels were subsequently reconstructed under deep hypothermia and retrograde cerebral perfusion. Antegrade cerebral perfusion was accomplished through the graft as the distal anastomosis (between the graft and descending thoracic aorta) was performed.
RESULTS: No early operative deaths were observed. One patient sustained a permanent neurologic deficit. A transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy lasting 1 month occurred in 1 patient. No patient required reoperations for bleeding, nor did any patient develop a postoperative phrenic nerve palsy, aspiration pneumonia, or renal dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS: The L-incision allows extensive replacement of the aortic arch and is associated with a low incidence of postoperative bleeding and respiratory insufficiency.
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Introduction
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Among reported surgical approaches [1, 2], the median sternotomy is most frequently used for treatment of aortic arch aneurysms [3, 4]. However, in patients who present with an arch aneurysm, the exposure afforded by a median sternotomy is less than ideal. Inadequate visualization of the proximal descending thoracic aorta and phrenic and recurrent laryngeal nerves may result in distal anastomotic bleeding or postoperative nerve palsy. The combination of a full median sternotomy and left thoracotomy has been used frequently for total arch replacement. This extensive incision provides excellent operative exposure; however, the postoperative morbidity is considered excessive. Recently we used a hemi-clamshell incision ("L-incision" approach) [5] for total aortic arch replacement, particularly when the presence of a distal arch aneurysm demands better exposure of the distal anastomosis. We herein review our surgical technique and early postoperative results when replacing the aortic arch through the L-incision approach.
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Material and methods
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Patients
Between July 1999 and July 2000, we performed total aortic arch replacement through the L-incision approach, using the "proximal-first" technique [6], in 11 patients (Table 1).
All patients were men aged 55 to 80 years (mean age, 68 years). Emergent operations were performed in 2 patients: 1 for rupture of an aortic arch aneurysm, and 1 for an ascending aortic dissection. The patient with vascular Behçet disease had previously undergone patch plasty of the aortic arch on two occasions: the first by a median sternotomy, the second by a left thoracotomy. Concomitant procedures included replacement of the entire descending thoracic aorta in 2 patients, coronary artery bypass grafting with saphenous vein grafts to the left anterior descending and the left circumflex arteries in 2 patients, and aortic valve resuspension in 1 patient. We were unable to cross-clamp the ascending aorta in 6 patients as intraoperative epiaortic echocardiography revealed severe atherosclerotic plaque.
Operative techniques
All patients were intubated with a double-lumen endotracheal tube as the distal anastomosis was performed under single-lung anesthesia. With the patient in a left anterolateral position, a left fourth to sixth intercostal space (ICS) anterior thoracotomy was performed. An upper half median sternotomy followed (Fig 1). The left anterior thoracotomy was performed through the fourth ICS in 2 patients, the level being determined by the concomitant procedures. The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was ligated and divided. Two spring retractors (Kent-boomerang/spring retractor, Takasago, Tokyo, Japan) were used; one to retract the left hemi-sternum in a left cranial direction and the other to retract the right hemi-sternum in a right caudal direction (Fig 2).
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Fig 1. The L-incision for total arch replacement on the 14th postoperative day. The right axillary artery was used for arterial perfusion in this particular case.
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Fig 2. The operative view during total arch replacement with the L-incision through the fifth intercostal thoracotomy. Two spring retractors (SR) provided operative exposure. One retractor was used to retract the left hemi-sternum in a left cranial direction, while the second retractor withdraws the right hemi-sternum in the right caudal direction. This approach offers excellent access to both the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. The arch vessels (arch V) are also easily visualized. The aneurysm (AN) was located at the distal arch. (Ao = ascending aorta.)
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In most instances, systemic arterial perfusion was performed through a cannula inserted into the ascending aorta. However, when intraoperative epiaortic echocardiography revealed atheromatous plaque in the ascending aorta, arterial perfusion was performed through an 8-mm Hemashield graft (Hemashield Gold, Meadox Medicals, Inc, Oakland, NJ) that was anastomosed in an end-to-side fashion to the right axillary artery. Either the right or left femoral artery was exposed, and a 10-mm Hemashield graft anastomosed to it for lower body perfusion during arch vessel reconstruction. The arch vessels were never perfused through the femoral artery as retrograde aortic perfusion is associated with the risk of cerebral embolism. Two venous cannulas were inserted directly into the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established. A left ventricular vent was inserted through the left superior pulmonary vein, roof of the left atrium, or the left atrial appendage. Of these, the left superior pulmonary vein was preferred. Systemic cooling was initiated as the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta were exposed. The fat pad containing the vagus and phrenic nerves was isolated by a tape.
The operative procedure is shown in Figure 3.
The patient is cooled on CPB. An aortic cross-clamping is applied and antegrade cardioplegia administered. If mural disease precludes the application of an aortic cross-clamp, the aorta is transected under circulatory arrest and cardioplegia administered directly into the coronary ostia. The ascending aorta is anastomosed to a sealed graft with four branches (Hemashield Gold, Meadox Medicals, Inc, Oakland, NJ) (Fig 3A). Upon completion of the proximal anastomosis, the heart is reperfused through one branch of the Hemashield graft (Fig 3B). After confirming the rectal temperature is below 20°C, retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) is initiated. Retrograde cerebral perfusion was performed through the superior vena cava cannula, while maintaining the jugular vein pressure of 15 to 25 mm Hg with a flow rate of 300 to 400 mL/min. Lower body systemic perfusion protects the viscera and spinal cord, and is accomplished through the femoral artery after a cross-clamp is applied to the descending thoracic aorta. Reconstruction of three arch vessels (each branch of the graft to the left subclavian artery, left carotid artery, and innominate artery) is subsequently performed (Fig 3B). When arch vessels reconstruction is complete, RCP is discontinued and antegrade cerebral flow through the graft and arch vessels is restored (Fig 3C). The left lung is deflated to expose the descending thoracic aorta. The operating table is rotated 30 degrees from supine toward the patient’s right side, and the surgeon moves from the patient’s right to left side. Lower body systemic perfusion is discontinued and an open distal anastomosis (20- or 22-mm straight Hemashield graft-to-distal descending thoracic aorta) is performed using a modified elephant trunk technique (Fig 3D). While the open distal anastomosis is performed, the rectal temperature is kept below 20°C to protect the spinal cord. The arch graft is passed beneath the pedicle containing the vagus and phrenic nerves. The graft-to-graft anastomosis (four-branched graft to descending thoracic aorta) completes the operation (Fig 3E). As the graft-to-graft anastomosis is performed, femoral arterial perfusion is reestablished to remove air and debris. Upon completion of the distal anastomosis, the patient is rewarmed. We have reported this proximal-first technique previously in detail, using the four-branched graft (Hemashield; 26 or 28 mm with four branches (10, 10, 8, 8 mm) [6].
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Fig 3. The "proximal first" operative technique for total arch replacement using a sealed graft with four branches. The first step is the anastomosis between the ascending aorta and the graft (A), followed by immediate restoration of myocardial reperfusion through one of four branches (B). The arch vessels are reconstructed under deep hypothermia and retrograde cerebral perfusion (B). After arch vessel reconstruction, antegrade cerebral blood perfusion is restored (C). The open distal anastomosis is accomplished using a modified elephant trunk technique (D). The final step is the anastomosis between the proximal and distal graft (E).
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Results
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The operative and CPB times ranged from 465 to 770 minutes and 182 to 334 minutes, respectively (Table 2).
The aortic cross-clamp (myocardial ischemic time) and RCP times ranged from 15 to 64 minutes and 20 to 49 minutes, respectively. These times were determined, in part, by the need for concomitant procedures and the feasibility of aortic cross-clamping. The distal anastomosis (graft-to-descending thoracic aorta) was performed under lower body circulatory arrest with times ranging from 17 to 72 minutes. High-dose catecholamine administration was required in 1 patient to correct abnormal systemic vasodilation. No patients required a reoperation for bleeding or developed postoperative renal dysfunction.
The duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation ranged from 13 to 136 hours (mean 84 hours). The intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay ranged from 1.7 to 6.7 days (mean 5.5 days). These data excluded 2 patients who had neurologic complications. Long-term (longer than 72 hours) respiratory support was required in 4 patients. There were no early operative deaths. One patient developed hoarseness secondary to a recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. However, the hoarseness resolved within 1 month of surgery. Phrenic nerve function was preserved in all patients. No patient developed aspiration pneumonia after the operation. One patient complained of intercostal wound pain and required intramuscular pentazocine for 1 week after the operation. Two patients developed postoperative neurologic deficits, although both patients had normal brain computed tomography; 1 patient had diffuse cerebral damage and the other patient had temporal general weakness. The patient with general weakness improved dramatically within 1 month of the operation. The patient with diffuse cerebral damage was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital and died of pneumonia 9 months after the operation. The remaining 10 patients were discharged from the hospital. All 10 patients are alive and well 9 to 21 months after the operation (mean follow-up 12 months).
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Comment
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The L-incision approach is, for a number of reasons, ideally suited for total aortic arch replacement particularly when aortic pathology involves the distal arch. First, the descending aorta is well visualized through the left anterior thoracotomy. Enhanced exposure facilitates performance of the distal anastomosis, thereby reducing the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage from that site. This anastomosis can also be performed more distally on the descending thoracic aorta. Second, both the phrenic and recurrent laryngeal nerves are easily isolated and preserved. These nerves play important roles in maintaining lung function, as a postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy can predispose patients, particularly the elderly, to aspiration pneumonia. Third, the lower part of the sternum is not divided. As thoracic integrity is maintained, pulmonary function is optimized and physical rehabilitation is enhanced. Fourth, improved visualization of the three arch vessels, especially the left subclavian artery, facilitates the anastomoses, thereby reducing RCP time. Finally, the L-incision approach always permits the ascending aorta to serve as the arterial cannulation site. Antegrade systemic perfusion reduces the incidence of neurologic complications particularly when atheromatous aneurysms involve the aortic arch [7, 8].
As the L-incision provides ready to access to both the ascending and descending aorta, it is well suited for extended replacement of the descending thoracic aorta. In 2 patients (#3, #7), we successfully replaced the entire thoracic aorta through this incision with a sixth ICS thoracotomy. In patient #7, we were able to reconstruct five intercostal arteries between T9 and T11 using short 10-mm diameter side grafts. As each intercostal artery required an individual side graft, the distal anastomosis took 72 minutes to complete. Consideration should be given to an additional thoracoabdominal incision when more complex intercostal arterial reconstruction is required. The L-incision approach may also be used in patients with a DeBakey type I aortic dissection in whom the entry site is unknown. If the entry point is thought to be in the descending thoracic aorta, with retrograde dissection across the arch [9], the L-incision allows ready identification of the entry point and facilitates performance of the distal anastomosis.
Disadvantages of the L-incision include sacrifice of the LITA and wound pain. In our series, the LITA was divided in all 11 patients; however, we believe that it can be harvested and used as a conduit for concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. Through the L-incision approach it would be feasible to perform coronary revascularization to either the left anterior descending coronary artery or the region of the left circumflex coronary artery. Inadequate exposure may make right coronary artery bypass difficult. One of 11 patients complained of intolerable wound pain. The patient had undergone a previous aortic operation and had received chronic steroid therapy. At his operation, osteoporosis resulted in multiple rib fractures that led to intolerable postoperative wound pain. A reduction in wound pain decreases the incidence of respiratory complications and facilitates patient rehabilitation and hospital discharge. Spring retractors provide excellent operative exposure and help prevent rib fractures.
We have used the proximal-first technique [6] for total arch replacement since 1995. Our goal in using this technique is to reduce myocardial ischemic and RCP time. In the current series the myocardial ischemic time (median 22 minutes) and RCP time (median 37 minutes) were shorter than those reported in a previous series [8]. With respect to cerebral injury, only 1 of 11 patients developed a permanent neurologic deficit. This patient had undergone a prior abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy and bilateral leg amputation due to arteriosclerosis obliterans. Mural atheroma, which may not be detected by epiaortic echocardiography, may shower the central circulation, resulting in diffuse cerebral damage.
In our small series, 4 of 11 (36%) patients required long-term (longer than 72 hours) respiratory support. However, respiratory insufficiency did not result in patient death. Ergin and associates [10] reported that 27% of patients (54 of 200 patients) who underwent thoracic aortic aneurysmectomy using a median sternotomy experienced postoperative respiratory insufficiency. The incidence of respiratory insufficiency in Ergin’s series and the current series is similar. It may be possible to reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary dysfunction by gentle manipulation of the left lung during the operation. With respect to the ICU length of stay, Hoefer and colleagues [11] reported a median postoperative ICU stay of 5 days (range 1 to 72 days) after surgery for acute aortic dissection, a result that is similar to the current series.
In conclusion, the L-incision approach for total arch replacement facilitates extensive replacement of the thoracic aorta while reducing the potential for postoperative bleeding and respiratory complications. Our favorable initial experience justifies further clinical evaluation of this technique.
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Acknowledgments
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We gratefully thank Dr Wayne Richenbacher for his editorial assistance.
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References
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Top
Abstract
Introduction
