Jaroslav Chlupac

Background: Autologous vein grafts are widely used for bypass procedures in cardiovascular surgery. However, these grafts are susceptible to failure due to vein graft disease. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of the latest-generation FRAME external support on vein graft remodeling in a preclinical model. Methods: We performed autologous internal jugular vein interposition grafting in porcine carotid arteries for one month. Four grafts were supported with a FRAME mesh, while seven unsupported grafts served as controls. The conduits were examined through flowmetry, angiography, macroscopy, and microscopy. Results: The one-month patency rate of FRAME-supported grafts was 100% (4/4), whereas that of unsupported controls was 43% (3/7, Log-rank p = 0.071). On explant angiography, FRAME grafts exhibited significantly more areas with no or mild stenosis (9/12) compared to control grafts (3/21, p = 0.0009). Blood flow at explantation was higher in the FRAME grafts (145 ± 51 mL/min) than in the controls (46 ± 85 mL/min, p = 0.066). Area and thickness of neo-intimal hyperplasia (NIH) at proximal anastomoses were similar for the FRAME and the control groups: 5.79 ± 1.38 versus 6.94 ± 1.10 mm², respectively (p = 0.558) and 480 ± 95 vs. 587 ± 52 μm²/μm, respectively (p = 0.401). However, in the midgraft portions, the NIH area and thickness were significantly lower in the FRAME group than in the control group: 3.73 ± 0.64 vs. 6.27 ± 0.64 mm², respectively (p = 0.022) and 258 ± 49 vs. 518 ± 36 μm²/μm, respectively (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: In our porcine model, the external mesh FRAME improved the patency of vein-to-carotid artery grafts and protected them from stenosis, particularly in the mid regions. The midgraft neo-intimal hyperplasia was two-fold thinner in the meshed grafts than in the controls.

Uterus transplantation is a treatment solution for women suffering from absolute uterine factor infertility. As much as 19.5% of uterus-transplanted patients underwent urgent graft hysterectomy due to thrombosis/hypoperfusion. The necessity to identify candidates with high-quality uterine vasculature is paramount. We retrospectively evaluated and compared the imaging results with actual vascular findings from the back table. In this article, we present a novel radiologic grading scale (DUETS classification) for evaluating both uterine arteries and veins concerning their suitability for uterus procurement and transplantation. This classification defines several criteria for arteries (caliber, tapering, atherosclerosis, tortuosity, segment, take-off, and course) and veins (caliber, tapering, plethora, fenestrations, duplication/multiplicity, dominant route of venous drainage, radiologist’s confidence with imaging and assessment). In conclusion, magnetic resonance angiography can provide reliable information on uterine venous characteristics if performed consistently according to a well-established protocol and assessed by a dedicated radiologist. The caliber of uterine arteries seems to be inversely related to the time passed since the last delivery. We recommend that the radiologist comments on the reliability and confidence of the imaging study. It cannot be over-emphasized that the most crucial aspect of surgical imaging is the necessity of high-quality communication between a surgeon and a radiologist.

Background: Cardiovascular surgery is confronted by a lack of suitable materials for patch repair. Acellular animal tissues serve as an abundant source of promising biomaterials. The aim of our study was to explore the bio-integration of decellularized or recellularized pericardial matrices in vivo. Methods: Porcine (allograft) and ovine (heterograft, xenograft) pericardia were decellularized using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate ((1) Allo-decel and (2) Xeno-decel). We used two cell types for pressure-stimulated recellularization in a bioreactor: autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) isolated from subcutaneous fat of pigs ((3) Allo-ASC and (4) Xeno-ASC) and allogeneic Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJCs) ((5) Allo-WJC and (6) Xeno-WJC). These six experimental patches were implanted in porcine carotid arteries for one month. For comparison, we also implanted six types of control patches, namely, arterial or venous autografts, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE Propaten^® Gore^®), polyethylene terephthalate (PET Vascutek^®), chemically stabilized bovine pericardium (XenoSure^®), and detoxified porcine pericardium (BioIntegral^® NoReact^®). The grafts were evaluated through the use of flowmetry, angiography, and histological examination. Results: All grafts were well-integrated and patent with no signs of thrombosis, stenosis, or aneurysm. A histological analysis revealed that the arterial autograft resembled a native artery. All other control and experimental patches developed neo-adventitial inflammation (NAI) and neo-intimal hyperplasia (NIH), and the endothelial lining was present. NAI and NIH were most prominent on XenoSure^® and Xeno-decel and least prominent on NoReact^®. In xenografts, the degree of NIH developed in the following order: Xeno-decel > Xeno-ASC > Xeno-WJC. NAI and patch resorption increased in Allo-ASC and Xeno-ASC and decreased in Allo-WJC and Xeno-WJC. Conclusions: In our setting, pre-implant seeding with ASC or WJC had a modest impact on vascular patch remodeling. However, ASC increased the neo-adventitial inflammatory reaction and patch resorption, suggesting accelerated remodeling. WJC mitigated this response, as well as neo-intimal hyperplasia on xenografts, suggesting immunomodulatory properties.

Introduction: Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a rapidly evolving treatment of uterine-factor infertility. We report the results of the first 10 UTx procedures performed at our institution. Methods: The program started in April 2016 as a two-arm study comparing the efficacy of UTx from live donors (LD) and deceased donors (DD). Results: Between April 2016 and April 2018, we performed five DD UTx and five LD UTx. Two grafts had to be removed early due to thrombosis. One graft was removed due to chronic rejection and previous herpes simplex infection at month 7. Graft survival is 70% at one year. Recipient survival is 100% at two years. Live donor survival is 100% at three years. Three live-births have been achieved, two from a LD and one from a graft from a nulliparous DD. Vaginal anastomotic stenosis occurred in 63% (5/8) of grafts. Self-expanding stents have shown preliminary suitability for the treatment of vaginal stenosis. Three recipients developed severe acute rejection. Conclusion: The interim results of our study demonstrate mid-term viability in 70% of grafts. The LD UTx produced two live births and the DD UTx produced one live birth. Nulliparous donors should be considered for donation.

(1) Background: Decellularized xenogeneic tissues are promising matrices for developing tissue-engineered cardiovascular grafts. In vitro recellularization of these tissues with stromal cells can provide a better in vivo remodelling and a lower thrombogenicity of the graft. The process of recellularization can be accelerated using a cultivation bioreactor simulating physiological conditions and stimuli. (2) Methods: Porcine pericardium was decellularized using a custom-built decellularization system with an optimized protocol. Autologous porcine adipose-derived stromal cells (PrASCs), isolated from the subcutaneous fat tissue, were used for recellularizing the decellularized pericardium. A custom cultivation bioreactor allowing the fixing of the decellularized tissue into a special cultivation chamber was created. The bioreactor maintained micro-perfusion and pulsatile pressure stimulation in order to promote the ingrowth of PrASCs inside the tissue and their differentiation. (3) Results: The dynamic cultivation promoted the ingrowth of cells into the decellularized tissue. Under static conditions, the cells penetrated only to the depth of 50 µm, whereas under dynamic conditions, the tissue was colonized up to 250 µm. The dynamic cultivation also supported the cell differentiation towards smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In order to ensure homogeneous cell colonization of the decellularized matrices, the bioreactor was designed to allow seeding of the cells from both sides of the tissue prior to the stimulation. In this case, the decellularized tissue was recolonized with cells within 5 days of dynamic cultivation. (4) Conclusions: Our newly designed dynamic bioreactor markedly accelerated the colonization of decellularized pericardium with ASCs and cell differentiation towards the SMC phenotype.

Introduction: The publication of new guidelines in recent years shows that surgical treatment of inguinal hernia remains topical. The main goal is to improve patient outcomes, specifically to decrease recurrence rates and reduce chronic pain. The main purpose of this article is to summarize the latest recommendations in surgical treatment of the groin hernias, especially in the case of strangulation. Methods: The authors made literature review of all the guidelines published by the hernia societies, including related articles, in the last ten years. Results: The use of the EHS classification system is suggested. In elective operations, mesh repair is recommended. The Lichtenstein technique is the standard in open inguinal hernia repair. Transabdominal preperitoneal and totally extraperitoneal approach have comparable outcomes. Their clear advantages include minimal invasiveness. Mesh repair is recommended also in the case of strangulation, but only in clean and clean-contaminated operations. A laparoscopic approach should be considered as well. Inter alia, it allows an assessment of bowel viability during the whole procedure. The need of bowel resection is hence lower compared to open surgery. If it is not possible to use the mesh, the Shouldice method is regarded as the best non-mesh repair technique. If there is concern about bowel viability, visualization, either by formal laparoscopy, hernia sac laparoscopy or laparotomy, is recommended. Hernioscopy is a simple and safe procedure that uses the hernia sac for insertion of a port following insufflation and diagnostic examination. It requires less advanced laparoscopic skills than does emergency laparoscopic hernia repair. It can be performed even by surgeons who lack sufficient experience with laparoscopy. Conclusion: In elective procedures, the mesh repair is recommended. It is recommended also in the case of strangulation, but not in a contaminated- dirty surgical field. If there is concern about bowel viability, visualization, either by formal laparoscopy, hernia sac laparoscopy or laparotomy, is needed.

Background: We report the case of a 43-year-old female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, class III lupus nephritis, with predialysis creatinine levels around 350 μmol/L (3.95 mg/dL) after partial resection of the left kidney with histologically verified papillary carcinoma in 2010. Preoperative computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a small 8 mm tumor in the left upper kidney pole. The patient was indicated for simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy and orthotopic renal transplantation with the aim to minimize invasiveness of the procedure as well as for curable tumor removal. Method: The procedure was performed under the full anesthesia trough upper middle laparotomy. As the first step, bilateral transperitoneal nephrectomy was performed. The live donor surgery started in a parallel theater to shorten the cold ischemic time of the graft. The renal graft had singe vessels and ureter; it was placed into the recipient’s right orthotopic position. End-to-end anastomosis of the right renal vein and artery anastomosis were performed; ureter was anastomosed end-to-end using recipient’s ureter. Results: The postoperative period was uneventful with repeatedly excellent ultrasonography check-up of the graft’s perfusion. The patient was discharged after 13 days with a good renal function of the graft (urea: 15 mmol/L, creatinine 160 µmol/L [1.80 mg/dL]). Conclusion: Orthotopic renal transplantation is a technically challenging but valid alternative for patients who are unsuitable candidates for heterotopic renal transplantation or in cases where there is a clear benefit of orthotopic renal transplantation.