bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Angiographic Coronary Ectasia
Authors: Nyamu Peter , Ajit Mullasari S , Joseph Peter K , Venkitachalam Lakshmi , Sugirtham Nancy A
Published: May 2013

Coronary artery ectasia, a variant of coronary atherosclerosis, is a relatively rare entity. Review of literature did not reveal an exclusive study on isolated ectasia. We decided to analyse the clinical presentation and angiographic prevalence of this subset. A retrospective study of patients who underwent coronary angiogram in our institute over the past six years was carried out and the epidemiological, clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients with isolated ectasia were analysed. Distribution of ectasia was with a modification of the Markis classification. Among 6938 angiograms analysed, 134 (2%) had isolated ectasia. Of the 118 symptomatic patients, 34 (25%) had a history of or presented with infarction, with correlation between the territory of infarction and the ectatic vessel in 32 patients. Of 62 patients with lipid abnormality, Hypertriglyceridemia in 42 (65%) was the most common. The left anterior descending artery was the most common vessel involved. Diffuse ectasia most commonly involved the right coronary artery. One patient had spontaneous coronary dissection. There is a relatively high prevalence of isolated coronary ectasia with predominant involvement of the right coronary vessel when diffuse and the left anterior descending artery when discrete. This entity is not innocuous and warrants a detailed study on the available management options.
Mitral Clefts and Interatrial Septum Defects: 15-Year Results
Authors: Kirali Kaan , Mansuroğlu Denyan , Özen Yücel , Bozbuğa Nilgün Ulusoy , Tuncer Altuğ , Toker Mehmet Erdem , Şişmanoğlu Mesut , Yakut Cevat
Published: May 2013

Between 1985 and 2002, 60 patients (58% female) with a mean age of 20.3 ± 12.1 years (range, 2–55 years) were treated for anterior mitral leaflet cleft. There was a primum atrial septal defect in 52 patients (87%) and a secundum type in 8 (13%). Concomitant cardiac defects were patent foramen ovale in 6 patients, cleft tricuspid valve in 3, ventricular septal defect in 2, cor triatriatum in 1, and persistent left superior vena cava in 1. Mean grade (1–4) of mitral insufficiency was 2.28 ± 0.74. Atrial septal defects were closed with a pericardial patch in 45 patients, with a prosthetic patch in 11, and primarily in 4. Mitral leaflet clefts were repaired using interrupted sutures. There was no early or late mortality. Two patients (3%) needed a permanent pacemaker. Postoperatively, severe (≥ grade 3) mitral insufficiency developed in 2 patients; valve replacement was performed in one, cleft recurrence and leakage from the patch were treated in the other. Freedom from reoperation was 92.2% ± 5.6% at 15 years. Surgical intervention can be performed for congenital anterior mitral leaflet cleft and interatrial septal defect with good results in both pediatric and adult age groups.
Giant Substernal Goiter with Chylothorax
Authors: Darwish Bassam K , Kabbani Sami S
Published: May 2013

A 60-year-old woman presented with a huge goiter extending from the lower jaw to the diaphragm. Right pleurocentesis produced chylous fluid. A cervicothoracic incision was used to totally excise the substernal goiter, with near-total excision of the cervical goiter, and repair of the lymphatic leakage.
Right Pleuropericardial Release: A Useful Technique in Off-Pump Coronary Surgery
Authors: Velissaris Theodore , Stuklis Robert G , Hett David A , Ohri Sunil K
Published: May 2013

We describe the use of right pleurotomy combined with right pericardial release during off-pump coronary surgery. The maneuver releases the compression exerted on the right cardiac chambers during cardiac verticalization and improves hemodynamic stability during exposure of the posterior or lateral coronary vessels.
Comparison of Different Approaches for Pediatric Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: Wu Qingyu , Luo Guohua , Li Shoujun , Shen Xiangdong , Lu Feng
Published: May 2013

To compare the clinical results of different surgical approaches for congenital heart disease in pediatric patients, 1,669 cases of atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, or tetralogy of Fallot, which were corrected from January 1999 to December 2001, were classified according to approach (sternotomy, ministernotomy, or minithoracotomy). In cases of ventricular septal defect, the incidence of pulmonary complications was significantly higher in the minithoracotomy group than in the full sternotomy or ministernotomy groups. In patients with tetralogy of Fallot, hemoglobin concentration was higher, oxygen saturation was lower, and more patients required a transanular patch in the sternotomy group than in the other groups, but the clinical results were similar. Patients with complex defects or severe pulmonary hypertension should undergo a full sternotomy.
Tracheal Replacement in Rabbits with a New Composite Silicone-Metallic Prosthesis
Authors: Dodge-Khatami Ali , Niessen Hans WM , Koole Leo H , Klein Marloes G , van Gulik Thomas M , de Mol Bas AJM
Published: May 2013

A new composite silicone-metallic prosthesis was tested, studying the potential for respiratory epithelial covering over the biocompatible inner lining, in a rabbit survival model. Seven New Zealand White rabbits underwent near-total excision of their trachea and implantation of a sterile prosthesis. After 2 months, they were sacrificed and the prostheses were retrieved. Specimens were fixed and histologically examined for tissue reaction around the prosthesis, at the anastomotic lines, and particularly for the presence or absence of epithelialization of the inner lumen over the biocompatible surface. All rabbits survived the operation. At 2 months, the outer layer of the prosthesis was consistently covered with fibrosis and neutrophils. The inner layer showed necrotic cells and scant re-epithelialization over the biocompatible lining, up to 5 mm beyond the anastomosis, with no evidence of organized respiratory epithelium in the middle sections. The new prosthesis is a viable temporary solution for airway replacement in rabbits. Granulation tissue was not observed at the anastomosis, and re-epithelialization did occur, but failed to achieve full-length luminal covering. The potential for granulation tissue does not yet make this an ideal long-term solution. Improvements in prosthesis design or biocompatibility are required, and need to be re-evaluated before applicability for chronic use.
Use of Excimer Laser for Thrombus Containing Lesion
Authors: Ilkay Erdogan , Karaca Ilgin , Yavuzkir Mustafa , Gündoğdu Özlem , Arslan Nadi
Published: May 2013

The presence of thrombus in the lesion before balloon angioplasty increases the complications arising from mechanical intervention. It is known that the use of Gp llb/llla receptor blockers before the intervention enhances the reliability of the procedure. Laser thrombolysis was applied to a patient who underwent coronary angiography due to recurrent chest pain after thirty six hour administration of tirofiban and who was found to have a thrombus so large as to block the distal vessel bed of the right coronary artery. Following the procedure, the entire thrombus was broken down and Grade III distal myocardial perfusion was achieved. This case is important in demonstrating that laser application is a viable alternative in such instances, especially considering that intervention in acute coronary syndromes is on the increase and cardiologists will frequently encounter such cases.
Fate of Polytetrafluoroethylene Monocusp Pulmonary Valves in an Animal Model
Authors: Vricella Luca A , Gundry Steven R , Izutani Hironori , Kuhn Michael A , Mulla Neda , Bailey Leonard L
Published: May 2013

Creation of a competent pulmonary monocusp valve facilitates transition from pressure to volume overload following right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. To determine intermediate-term results and performance of the different types of polytetrafluoroethylene membrane used to construct monocusp valves and transannular patches, 12 infant lambs underwent excision of the native pulmonary valve and insertion of a monocusp valve and transannular patch made from one of 4 types of membrane. Echocardiography was performed after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and cardiac catheterization was carried out prior to animal sacrifice at 6 ( n = 4) or 12 ( n = 8) months. There was no postoperative morbidity or mortality. On echocardiography, 6 valves were mobile (50%), 4 had diminished mobility (33%), and 2 were fixed (17%) prior to sacrifice. At catheterization, mild, moderate, and severe pulmonary regurgitation was observed in 4 valves each (33%), with no stenosis. Right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with polytetrafluoroethylene monocusp valves can be safely accomplished with good early competence, variable degrees of late insufficiency, and no stenosis. Compared to an open microstructure, the closed polytetrafluoroethylene microstructure showed a milder fibroinflammatory reaction and fewer foci of microcalcification, with sparing of the free edge of the monocusp; this correlated with better intermediate-term hemodynamic performance.
Ultrasonography and Lung Mechanics Can Diagnose Diaphragmatic Paralysis Quickly
Authors: Manabe Takahiro , Ohtsuka Masahide , Usuda Yutaka , Imoto Kiyotaka , Tobe Michio , Takanashi Yoshinori
Published: May 2013

Diaphragmatic paralysis after cardiovascular surgery requires early diagnosis prior to extubation. The effectiveness of ultrasonography and a lung mechanics assessment was evaluated. Paralysis of the diaphragm was diagnosed when the diaphragm failed to move or moved in a cephalad direction during inspiration. It was diagnosed in 3 of 40 patients (7.5%) who underwent cardiovascular surgery from 1998 to 1999. Patients were extubated when all parameters met the extubation criteria, irrespective of the presence or absence of diaphragmatic paralysis. One patient required prolonged assisted ventilation and died from mediastinitis on the 35th postoperative day. The other 2 patients required assisted ventilation for an additional 1–3 days. Ultrasonography and a lung mechanics assessment are effective tools for the early diagnosis of diaphragmatic paralysis and assessment of respiratory function after cardiovascular surgery.
Why Are the Results of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Women Worse?
Authors: Perek Bartlomiej , Jemielity Marek , Dyszkiewicz Wojciech
Published: May 2013

A study was conducted to assess the early results of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting in women and to determine the risk factors for early postoperative complications. Between January 1994 and July 2001, 1,730 patients (301 women and 1,429 men) underwent isolated myocardial revascularization. Conventional bypass procedure was performed on 1,554 patients (270 female and 1,284 male) and off-pump procedure on 176 patients (31 female and 145 male). Hospital mortality was significantly higher in women than in men (5.6% versus 2.9%). Low cardiac output syndrome developed in 8.6% of women and 8.5% of men. Postoperative myocardial infarction occurred in 5.3% of women and 4.3% of men ( p < 0.05). The rate of infectious complications was significantly higher in women (7.0%) than in men (5.8%). The independent risk factors for early mortality in women were left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%, left main disease, and urgent operation. The need for urgent surgery in women was also found to be a significant independent predictor of low cardiac output syndrome and postoperative myocardial infarction. In conclusion, higher hospital mortality and morbidity in women undergoing coronary surgery are partially related to the severity of coronary atherosclerosis and comorbid conditions.
Combined Aortic and Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: Kazui Toshinobu , Kin Hajime , Izumoto Hiroshi , Nakajima Takayuki , Ishihara Kazuaki , Kawazoe Kouhei
Published: May 2013

Six patients, median age 63.3 years (range, 54 to 68 years), underwent concomitant mitral and aortic valve repair from January 2000 to August 2001. Surgical reports and general clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. All patients had degenerative valvular disease, although one patient also had annuloaortic ectasia. There were no surgical complications. The 30 day survival rate was 100%, and the New York Heart Association classification score improved from 2.2 (range, 1 to 2) preoperative, to 1.0 (all patients) postoperatively ( p = 0.03) As measured by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased from 6.0 cm (range, 5.4 to 6.3 cm) to 4.7 cm (range, 4.0 to 5.2 cm) and the left ventricular end-systolic diameter decreased from 3.7 cm (range, 3.4 to 4.1cm) to 3.1 cm (range, 2.9 to 3.7 cm). No patient developed endocarditis, thromboembolism or hemorrhage. There was no valve related morbidity during a 1 year follow up. Double valve repair is an acceptable alternative to valve replacement in selected patients with some types of valvular disease. Longer term follow up with greater numbers of patients is needed.
Extensive Aortic Surgery in Marfan Syndrome: 16-Year Experience
Authors: Kirali Kaan , Erentuğ Vedat , Rabuş Murat B , İzgi Akin , Bozbuğa Nilgün U , Erkanlı Korhan , Akıncı Esat , Yakut Cevat
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of surgical treatment in patients with Marfan syndrome. Between 1985 and November 2001, 33 patients with Marfan syndrome were operated for chronic aneurysm of the aortic root with involvement of the ascending aorta in 20 patients and type A dissection in 13 patients. The patients comprised 24 males and 9 females with a mean age of 31.9 ± 9.7 years (range, 18 to 54 years). The mean diameter of the ascending aorta was 6.6 ± 1.6 cm and that of the aortic root was 5.4 ± 1.2 cm. Hemodynamic instability was observed in 11 patients. The aortic arch was replaced in 7 patients. There was no hospital mortality. Late mortality was 6%, involving 2 patients who had aortic valve replacement. Actuarial freedom from death was 92.3% ± 7.4% at 12 years and from late aortic complications was 86.4% ± 9.4% at 13 years. Aortic aneurysm was a significant univariate adverse factor for late aortic complications. Aortic surgery can be performed in Marfan patients with low morbidity and mortality. Aggressive surgical intervention does not impair surgical outcome while it decreases reoperation risk.
Total Cavopulmonary Connection in a Bedridden Patient with Sotos Syndrome
Authors: Miyamoto Takashi , Kitahori Kazuo , Miyaji Kagami , Nagata Nobuhiro , Yasui Seiyou
Published: May 2013

Sotos syndrome is an overgrowth disorder of unknown etiology associated with a high incidence of congenital heart defects. Of 60 patients with Sotos syndrome treated in our hospital, 6 had congenital heart defects. We describe a case of successful total cavopulmonary connection at 30 months of age in a patient having pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and a patent ductus arteriosus who had walking disability. The postoperative course was uneventful.
Esophagopleural Fistula following Spontaneous Rupture of Traction Diverticulum
Authors: Agarwal Vijay , Singh Sushil Kumar , Siddiqi Mohd Salman , Joshi Lalit Mohan , Tandon Shekhar
Published: May 2013

A rare case of esophagopleural fistula following spontaneous rupture of a traction diverticulum of the esophagus in a 25-year-old man was successfully treated by diverticulectomy.
Pharmacotherapy of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kasliwal Ravi R , Mukesh Singh , Manohar Gagan , Aggarwal Naveen , Bhatia Atul
Published: May 2013

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia of clinical significance. Its prevalence rises with age. It is a significant cause of thromboembolic phenomena. We describe briefly the etiology and classification of atrial fibrillation, the risk factors for thromboembolism and stroke associated with it, the indications for hospitalization, and the therapeutic goal. We discuss in depth the management strategies for such patients and compare the impact of rate versus rhythm control in reducing morbidity and mortality attributed to arrhythmia, in light of past and present trials. A brief overview of the drugs used in the management of atrial fibrillation, their pharmacology and dosage, their effects and use in rhythm versus rate control with important side effects are also included. Finally, the prevention and treatment of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, an important aspect of therapy, is revisited in light of recent advances.
Simple Method for Rapid Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Pleuritis: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Ghanei Mostafa , Aslani Jafar , Bahrami Hossein , Adhami Hossein
Published: May 2013

Among the extrapulmonary presentations of tuberculosis, pleural tuberculosis is the second most frequent. Failure to diagnose and treat pleural tuberculosis can result in progressive disease with involvement of other organs in as many as 65% of patients. Conventional methods such as direct examination of pleural fluid, pleural fluid culture and pleural biopsy have proven to be insufficient for diagnoses of pleural tuberculosis. In this study, we examined a statistical method by combining the diagnostic efficiency of adenosine deaminase activity, pleural fluid protein, lactate dehydrogenase and cellular components in patients with tuberculous pleural effusions. Eighty eight patients over 12 years of age presenting with pleural effusions were included. A positive result by either three of the methods was considered to be indicative of a positive diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis. The determination of adenosine deaminase activity, lactate dehydrogenase levels, and lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio in the pleural fluid yielded a sensitivity of 100% for pleural tuberculosis. A patient was considered positive if any of the three tests was positive, with a specificity of 100%. A positive diagnosis was made when all three tests were positive. Similarly, these different approaches to the combination of pleural adenosine deaminase and lactate dehydrogenase result in sensitivity and specificity of 91.4% and 100% respectively.
Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm with Congenital Aortic Stenosis and Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Ohata Toshihiro , Miyamoto Yuji , Takahashi Toshiki , Ichikawa Hajime , Kagisaki Koji , Matsuda Hikaru
Published: May 2013

A 52-year-old female was diagnosed with the extremely rare combination of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, congenital unicuspid aortic valve stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta. She was successfully treated in a two-stage operation. The first operation consisted of a bypass graft to correct the coarctation. The second, performed 31 days later, included aortic valve replacement, patch closure of the aneurysm, and translocation of the right coronary artery.
Bilateral Isolated Coronary Ostial Stenosis following Mediastinal Irradiation
Authors: Sachithanandan Anand , Ahmed Alsir , O'Kane Hugh
Published: May 2013

Isolated coronary ostial narrowing is rare and may represent a separate disease entity from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. The case of a 41-year-old female with no coronary risk factors who developed severe bilateral isolated coronary ostial stenosis following mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease is described. She underwent urgent coronary artery bypass grafting and has remained well for 3 years.
Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion for Treatment of Air Embolism after Valve Surgery
Authors: Shrinivas Vitthal Gadhinglajkar , Sankarkumar R , Rupa Sreedhar
Published: May 2013

Air embolism occurred after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass in a 22-year-old man undergoing aortic valve replacement for rheumatic aortic insufficiency. Normothermic retrograde cerebral perfusion was instituted for 5 min at a flow rate of 300–500 mL·min−1, maintaining internal jugular vein pressure < 25 mmHg. The aortic cannula was declamped intermittently for 5–10 seconds. Mean arterial pressure was kept at 60–70 mmHg. The patient recovered without any neurological deficit.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis after Renal Transplantation Treated by Surgery
Authors: Scanagatta Paolo , Terzi Alberto , Boschiero Luigino , Cazzadori Angelo , Lonardoni Alessandro , Calabrò Francesco
Published: May 2013

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious complication in immunocompromised patients. In those unresponsive to pharmacological treatment, or when drug toxicity is excessive, surgery may resolve the condition. A 48-year-old woman with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after renal transplantation underwent resection of the right upper lobe and the apical segment of the inferior lobe, followed by complete recovery.
Combined Procedures for Mediastinal Staging in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tomita Masaki , Matsuzaki Yasunori , Edagawa Masao , Shimizu Tetsuya , Hara Masaki , Onitsuka Toshio
Published: May 2013

We investigated whether the combined use of computed tomography, thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography and serum carcinoembryonic antigen level improves preoperative non-invasive mediastinal. 128 consecutive non-small cell lung cancer patients (85 adenocarcinomas, 31 squamous cell carcinomas and 12 others) who underwent a surgical resection were enrolled in this study. The results of the combined procedures were compared with the pathologic findings. Our results showed that the combined evaluation of mediastinal nodal involvement with the three procedures might increase underestimation, but decrease overestimation as compared to computed tomography alone. Thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography for patients with enlarged nodes at computed tomography showed 81.3% and 100% of positive predictive value in overall and squamous cell carcinoma patients, respectively. The negative predictive value of thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography for patients without enlarged nodes at computed tomography was highly accurate in adenocarcinoma (93.9%) as well as squamous cell carcinoma (94.4%). Combining computed tomography findings and serum carcinoembryonic antigen level had a poor predictive value. However, in patients with adenocarcinoma, a negative examination was highly accurate (95.2%). In conclusion, our results show a trend that combined use of the three procedures might improve non-invasive mediastinal staging in non-small cell lung cancer.
Early Result of Heart Transplantation in Japan: Osaka University Experience
Authors: Fukushima Norihide , Miyamoto Yuji , Ohtake Shigeaki , Sawa Yoshiki , Takahashi Toshiki , Nishimura Motonobu
Published: May 2013

Since the new organ transplantation law was established in 1997, 17 heart transplantations have been performed in Japan, 7 of which were carried out at Osaka University Hospital. Recipient diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy in 2, dilated phase of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 4, and post-myocarditis cardiomyopathy in 1. Ages ranged from 8 to 49 years with a mean of 35.3 years. Five patients were bridged with a left ventricular assist device. The waiting period was 182–977 days (mean, 643 days). There was no early or late death during follow-up of 1–4.8 years. Under a standard triple-drug regimen using mycophenolate, there were 3 rejection episodes greater than grade 3 in 2 patients, and humoral rejection requiring plasmapheresis in one. A young boy whose donor was a hemodynamically compromised adult developed neurological sequelae after resuscitation following ventricular tachycardia. All patients were discharged and went back to work or their regular daily life. Although the donor shortage is still severe in Japan, the resumption of heart transplantation has been satisfactory, and left ventricular assist devices have played a crucial role.
Modified Elephant Trunk Technique for Distal Reconstruction of Ragged Descending Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Nakajima Masato , Tsuchiya Kouji , Inoue Hidenori , Kobayashi Kensuke , Takizawa Koki
Published: May 2013

We present a modified elephant trunk technique with a novel indication for aortic arch aneurysm with ragged, undilated descending thoracic aorta. Our modification is simple and effective for minimizing bleeding from the distal anastomosis and has the possibility of preventing distal embolization of atheromatous plaque by ensuring sufficient contact area between the graft and the aortic wall.
Thoracoscopic Transillumination in Chest Wall Resection
Authors: Podbielski Francis J , Issa Roger A , Fontaine Jacques-Pierre , Rodriguez Heron E
Published: May 2013

Determining the extent of chest wall resection during en bloc lung cancer operations is often difficult secondary to the location of these tumors. We describe a hybrid technique that employs video-thoracoscopy and chest wall transillumination to determine the appropriate margin of resection.
Coronary Bypass Surgery in Patients Aged 70 Years and Over: Mortality, Morbidity, Length of Stay and Hospital Cost
Authors: Ng Chye-Yew , Ramli Mohd Faizal , Awang Yahya
Published: May 2013

The objective of this investigation was to compare the outcome of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in patients ≥ 70 years with those < 70. The cardiac surgery database of the Institute was used to obtain the characteristics of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting between January 2000 and September 2001. The patients were divided into those ≥ 70 years of age and those < 70 years old. A Parsonnet risk score was determined for each patient for the analysis of mortality, length of stay and hospital charges. During the study period, 1594 cases of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were carried out. 184 (11.5%) cases were performed in the older group. The 30-day mortality for patients aged 70 and over was 7 (3.3%) out of 184 while that of patients < 70 years of age was 47 (3.8%) out of 1410 ( p < 0.740). The overall hospital mortality was 10 (5.4%) of 184 and 53 (3.8%) of 1410 ( p < 0.272) respectively. Apart from a higher incidence of wound infection in elderly patients, the frequency of other major complications was comparable in both groups. The average length of postoperative stay for the elderly patients was 10.4 ± 0.9 days compared to 8.7 ± 0.2 days for the younger group ( p < 0.049). The mean hospital charge in patients ≥ 70 was RM 25,160.38 ± 1656.75 whereas for patients < 70, it was RM 21,801.47 ± 308.91 ( p < 0.048). This study supports the continued performance of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients ≥ 70 years. Advanced age alone should not deter a cardiac surgeon from offering such a potentially beneficial intervention.
Ruptured Chronic Traumatic Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm of the Ascending Aorta
Authors: Yeluri Sashidhar V , Vaidya Apurva B , Patel Hima J , Kapadia Sumit R , Karanth Siddharth
Published: May 2013

We report a rare case of posttraumatic chronic mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta presenting with acute rupture. The uniqueness of the case lies in its unusual etiology, presentation, and management with direct repair of the aorta without using cardiopulmonary bypass.
Combined Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Lung Surgery
Authors: Ömeroğlu Suat N , Erdoğan Hasan B , Kirali Kaan , Ömeroğlu Atilla , Toker Mehmet E , Kayalar Nihan , İpek Gökhan , Yakut Cevat
Published: May 2013

Combined coronary bypass and lung surgery was performed in 3 patients. Through a median sternotomy or a left thoracotomy, bypass grafting was performed on beating heart or under cardiopulmonary bypass, followed by the lung operation. The lung lesion was diagnosed as carcinoma in 2 patients and hydatid cyst in 1 patient. With few exceptions, beating heart coronary bypass through a median sternotomy can be performed in a combined operation.
Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ilkay Erdogan , Karaca Ilgin , Akbulut Mehmet , Kiliçoğlu A Erhan , Yavuzkir Mustafa , Arslan Nadi
Published: May 2013

We evaluated the short-term results of percutaneous excimer laser angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction. Of the 18 patients studied, 2 were female and 16 male with a mean age of 56.6 ± 12.1 years. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grades 0, 1, and 2 flow was observed in 10, 5, and 3 cases, respectively, prior to the procedure. The degree of stenosis was 97.9% ± 5.1%. The lesion was crossed with a laser catheter in all cases, using a mean number of 808 ± 384 laser pulses. Type C dissection developed in only 1 case (6%). Except for this case, distal flow was grade 3 in all the patients. Following the procedure, ST segment resolution exceeding 70% was achieved in 14 cases (78%) within the first 90 minutes. The success rate of laser ablation was 94% (17 patients). Stent implantation was performed in all the cases. In conclusion, laser angioplasty is an effective and reliable treatment for acute myocardial infarction.
Surgical Outcome of Subtypes of Aortic Arch Dissection
Authors: Kirali Kaan , Ardal Hasan , Erentuğ Vedat , Mansuroğlu Denyan , Bozbuğa Nilgün U , Yakut Cevat
Published: May 2013

This study was conducted to investigate if the site of primary intimal tear involving the aortic arch and the surgical approach affect the early and late results of total aortic arch replacement. Between 1993 and November 2001, 42 patients underwent graft replacement of the total aortic arch for aortic dissection. Their mean age was 51.9 ± 9.8 years, and 38 of them were male. All operations were performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion. Hospital mortality was 28.6% (12 patients). There were 2 late deaths. Multivariate analysis showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ascending aortic replacement with or without valve replacement were significant independent determinants of early death. Patients with the intimal tear originating in the ascending aorta showed a tendency towards lower 7-year survival rates than those with a tear at other aortic sites or with multiple tears, while the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease adversely affected early and late outcomes. We conclude that the primary site of an intimal tear that involves the aortic arch affects early and late survival, but concomitant non-cardiac diseases play an even more important role in the early outcome as they increase the complexity of the operation.
Surgical Management of Pulmonary Aspergilloma
Authors: Kurul Ismail C , Demircan Sedat , Yazici Ulku , Altinok Tamer , Topcu Salih , Unlü Mehmet
Published: May 2013

Records of 59 patients (41 males and 18 females) who underwent 70 operations for pulmonary aspergilloma in a 23-year period were examined retrospectively. Sixty-three operations were for primary treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma, and 7 were for complications of surgery. Twenty-six postoperative complications occurred in 19 patients. Three lobectomies that resulted in bronchopleural fistula were managed by intercostal muscle-flap closure and partial thoracomyoplasty. Two patients died within the first week of surgery. Surgery is the treatment of choice for most patients with pulmonary aspergilloma. Selective bronchial artery embolization is helpful only in combating hemoptysis, and this has been considered a temporary measure in most reports. Thus, open thoracotomy and anatomical resection are recommended as early as possible after the diagnosis is established.
Effect of Preoperative Transbronchial Biopsy on Prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Nakajima Jun , Takamoto Shinichi , Matsumoto Jun , Takeuchi Eriho , Ito Yoichi M
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that post-surgical prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) proven by preoperative transbronchial biopsy (TBLB) was inferior to that of patients with NSCLC determined at time of surgery. Patients with NSCLC undergoing complete resection were divided into two groups. Group 1: pathologic diagnosis determined by TBLB consisting of 335 cases, and Group 2 where TBLB was unsuccessful and exploratory thoracotomy or thoracoscopy was followed by surgical resection, consisting of 186 cases. The post-surgical recurrence-free rate and survival rate were significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1. Recurrence-free survival rate of stage IA patients in Group 2 (93 cases) was also significantly higher than that of stage IA Group 1 patients (70 cases) ( p = 0.0018). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that positive TBLB yield was an independent negative determinant of prognosis in addition to pathologic staging and other clinicopathological factors. In conclusion, post-surgical prognosis of NSCLC patients was superior if preoperative TBLB was unsuccessful. This result suggested that advanced NSCLC had a tendency to be diagnosed with TBLB, and that the TBLB procedure might negatively impact the prognosis of patients with resectable NSCLC.
Early and Midterm Results with the Ross Procedure: A Study of the First 31 Cases
Authors: Matalanis George , Durairaj Manoj , Shah Pallav , Buxton Brian
Published: May 2013

Between 1994 and 2002, 31 patients underwent the Ross procedure by a single surgeon. The mean age was 42 years (24–61), 87% were male and 61% were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III–IV. Pure aortic stenosis (AS) was present in 32% of patients, pure aortic regurgitation (AR) in 22% and mixed disease in the rest. The aortic valve was bicuspid in 93.5% of the patients. Autograft implantation was by full root replacement in all cases. Concomitant cardiac surgical procedures were carried out in 10/31 (32%). All patients had at least annual clinical and echocardiographic follow-ups. There was one early death (3%). Overall patient survival was 92.7% at 1 year and 86.1% at 5 years. Twenty-eight (96.55%) were in NYHA class I. Echocardiographic follow-up revealed none to trivial AR in 24/29 (82.75%) and mild AR in 4/29 (13.7%). There was no autograft re-operation before 5 years. The mean gradient across the autograft was low (< 4 mm Hg). There were no incidences of endocarditis or thromboembolism. None of the patients required anticoagulation. Our early experience with the Ross procedure has shown good results in relation to early and midterm morbidity, mortality, autograft, and homograft function.
Multiple Sclerosing Hemangiomas of the Lung
Authors: Soumil Vyas J , Navin Bhambhani , Sangeeta Desai , Na Jambhekar , Sharma Sanjay , Deshpande Ramakant
Published: May 2013

Multifocal sclerosing hemangioma of the lung is a rare entity. While solitary pulmonary lesions by themselves are uncommon and few reports have been described, multifocal bilateral lesions are rare and limited instances have been cited in indexed medical literature. We herewith describe a case of multiple sclerosing hemangiomas of the lung, in a patient who also had a vascular malformation over the calf.
Ruptured Right Aortic Arch Aneurysm
Authors: Slisatkorn Worawong , Laksanabunsong Pansak , Thongcharoen Punnarerk
Published: May 2013

A case of a ruptured right aortic arch aneurysm in a 74-year-old woman presenting with shock is reported. The diagnostic and operative findings are presented. We discuss the surgical approach and review the literature.
Aortic Valve Replacement in a Patient with Takayasu's Disease without Cross-Clamping the Calcified Ascending Aorta
Authors: Athanasiou Thanos , Kumar Pankaj , Ashrafian Hutan , Nair Sujit , Charitou Alex , Stanbridge Rex D
Published: May 2013

The case of a 42-year-old female requiring surgical management of aortic regurgitation, secondary to Takayasu's disease, with a co-existing heavily calcified ascending aorta is described. In order to address aortic valve surgery with such calcific disease affecting the ascending aorta and peripheral vessels, we present a simple and safe technique that allows aortic valve replacement using a vascular intra-aortic occlusion catheter.
Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Black Edward A , Ghosh Sudip , Sin Kenny , Spyt Tom , Pillai Ravi
Published: May 2013

Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery has been adopted enthusiastically worldwide. However, despite more than 6 years’ experience and refinement, many surgeons use it only sporadically and some hardly at all. This reluctance persists despite support for the procedure because of the lack of properly designed risk models and/or randomized studies. Although it has not been overwhelmingly shown that off-pump surgery is superior to the conventional on-pump procedure, the technique has its place in our specialty. It has been shown to be better for noncritical end points in selected patients in the hands of selected surgeons. That there are differences in surgical skill among surgeons is something we all know but rarely discuss in public. Until now, disparities in skill have been most salient with uncommon and extraordinarily challenging operations. Perhaps the off-pump procedure should be regarded as the “challenging” aspect of coronary artery bypass surgery, and self-restraint may need to remain in force if we are to continue to achieve the highest level of clinical excellence.
Graft for Mycotic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Omental Wrapping to Prevent Infection
Authors: Kuniyoshi Yukio , Koja Kageharu , Miyagi Kazufumi , Uezu Tooru , Yamashiro Satoshi , Arakaki Katuya
Published: May 2013

Nine cases of mycotic thoracic aortic aneurysm were treated surgically between July 1995 and March 2003. The aneurysms were located in the ascending aorta in 1 patient, the descending thoracic aorta in 5, and the thoracoabdominal aorta in 3. Preoperatively, 3 patients were in shock due to rupture of the aneurysm. All patients underwent aneurysmectomy and in-situ graft placement. In 5 patients, the graft was covered with a pedicled omental flap to prevent postoperative graft infection. There were 2 hospital deaths: one patient died of multi-organ failure, and the other died from intrathoracic bleeding. After discharge, one patient died from intrathoracic bleeding 3 months after surgery. These 3 patients had not received omental wrapping. Postoperative graft infection did not occur in the 6 surviving patients during a mean follow-up period of 4.0 ± 3.1 years. It was concluded that covering the prosthetic graft with a pedicled omental flap may help prevent postoperative graft infection and improve the surgical results.
Intraoperative Hemofiltration in Adults: Prevention of Hypercirculatory Syndrome?
Authors: Tirilomis Theodor , Friedrich Martin , Sîrbu Horia , Aleksic Ivan , Busch Thomas
Published: May 2013

Hypercirculatory syndrome (HCS) after cardiac surgery may be a sequela of extracorporeal circulation due to hemodilution and release of inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of intraoperative hemofiltration (HF) on the incidence of HCS. A prospective cohort study of 80 patients scheduled for elective coronary bypass was performed. The patients were randomized to two groups: in the conventional (CONV) group 40 patients were treated conventionally and in the HF group 40 patients underwent intraoperative HF. There was no perioperative mortality. The incidence of HCS was comparable in both groups (32% in CONV group versus 40% in HF group; n.s.). Mean cardiac output was higher and systemic vascular resistance lower in CONV group patients than in HF group patients, however these differences did not reach statistical significance. According to this data intraoperative HF does not prevent postoperative HCS induced by cardiopulmonary bypass. Further studies are required to identify the etiology of HCS, and to prevent it occurring after open-heart surgery.
Non-Capitonnage Method for Surgical Treatment of Lung Hydatid Cysts
Authors: Eren M Nesimi , Balci Akin E , Eren Şevval
Published: May 2013

Capitonnage is usually advocated for obliteration of the residual cavity after removal of a hydatid cyst. To assess a non-capitonnage method, results in 33 patients were compared with those of 80 patients who had capitonnage. The non-capitonnage patients had a shorter mean hospital stay and earlier radiologic improvement but higher morbidity than the capitonnage patients. Extended air leak caused significant morbidity in each group. Bronchoscopic intervention was needed for atelectasis in 1 patient. There was no mortality in either group. In the follow-up period, no late complication or recurrence was observed in non-capitonnage patients. Among the capitonnage patients, 2 had bronchiectasis, and suture material expectoration occurred in one. The non-capitonnage method may be a good alternative to the capitonnage procedure for lung hydatid cyst. Better management of bronchial openings should improve the results of the non-capitonnage method.
Left Ventricular Dysfunction after Closure of Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Galal M Omar , Amin Mohamed , Hussein Arif , Kouatli Amjad , Al-Ata Jameel , Jamjoom Ahmed
Published: May 2013

Changes in left ventricular dimensions and performance were studied in 43 patients after transcatheter occlusion or surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. The patients were assigned to 2 groups based on their ductal diameter: ≥ 3.1 mm to group A ( n = 27) and ≤ 3 mm to group B ( n = 16). The mean age and weight of the groups were comparable. Before intervention, group A had a significantly larger mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter than group B, while all patients had normal shortening fraction and ejection fraction. Within 1 month after intervention, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter showed a trend towards regression while shortening fraction and ejection fraction decreased significantly in group A. There were no significant changes in these parameters in group B. Between 1 and 6 months after intervention, left ventricular performance improved in most of the group A patients who were followed up. We conclude that closure of large ductus arteriosus in children leads to significant immediate deterioration of left ventricular performance, which appears to recover within a few months. Echocardiographic study before hospital discharge is recommended in these patients. Serious deterioration of ventricular performance after closure may warrant the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
Postoperative Mechanical Circulatory Support with Biomedicus Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Mert Murat , Akcevin Atif , Yildiz Cenk E , Suzer Kaya
Published: May 2013

Despite advances in surgical techniques, myocardial protection, and management protocols, approximately 1% of patients undergoing open heart operations still need mechanical circulatory support for severe cardiac dysfunction. The Biomedicus centrifugal pump, available in most cardiovascular centers, is a highly effective and relatively inexpensive system compared to other more sophisticated devices for the same purpose. Of 10 patients aged 5 to 61 years who were supported for 22 to 168 hours with a Biomedicus centrifugal pump, 7 (70%) were weaned from support, there was one hospital death, and 6 patients were discharged from hospital. Two sudden deaths occurred in the first 8 months after discharge. Four patients (40%) were still alive after follow-up of 11–55 months, with no restriction in their daily activities. The centrifugal pump is a very cost-effective support system with survival rates comparable to those of more sophisticated devices in short-term ventricular assistance.
Modified versus Standard Mechanical Valved Aortic Conduit
Authors: Urbanski Paul P , Dinstak Witold , Frank Stefan , Siebel Alexander , Hacker Robert W
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic characteristics and early clinical results of a commercially available standard aortic conduit with those of a modified valved composite graft, which consists of a mechanical valve prosthesis sewn into a vascular tube and placed in a supraannular position. The modified conduit was placed in 40 patients (group 1) and the standard conduit in another 40 patients (group 2). The early postoperative mortality rates (within 30 days after surgery) were 0% in group 1 and 5% (2 patients) in group 2; the difference was not statistically significant. The mean geometric orifice area of the valve prosthesis was significantly larger in group 1 than in group 2 (3.7 ± 0.7 cm2 versus 2.9 ± 0.5 cm2). Early results showed a hemodynamic advantage of the modified conduit, with significantly lower transvalvular gradients.
Surgery for Aortic Insufficiency Associated with Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Rergkliang Chareonkiat , Chittithavorn Vorawit , Chetpaophan Apirak , Vasinanukorn Prasert
Published: May 2013

Aortic valve repair in children is a challenge. We have adopted a technique of single aortic cusp extension with an autologous pericardial strip in patients diagnosed with severe aortic insufficiency (AI) associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD). The purpose of this study was to report the short-term outcomes. Seven patients were operated on between January 2002 and December 2003. The mean age was 11.28 ± 2.1 years (range 8–14 years). The VSD was closed with a synthetic patch. Aortic cusp extension was performed at the right coronary cusp in 6 patients and the remainder had a non-coronary cusp extension. The mean diastolic arterial pressure increased from 35.71 ± 6.09 to 74.28 ± 7.31 mm Hg after the operation ( p < 0.001). The postoperative grade of AI was trivial in 4 patients, mild in 1 patient and non-existent in 2 patients. The mean follow-up period was 12.85 ± 6.12 months (range 2–20 months). This technique is very effective in patients with severe AI associated with a VSD. However, long-term durability will need to be carefully followed.
Demonstration and Operative Influence of Low Prime Volume Closed Pump
Authors: Takai Hideaki , Eishi Kiyoyuki , Yamachika Shiro , Hazama Shiro , Ariyoshi Tsuneo , Nishi Katsuo
Published: May 2013

Various improvements have been made in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the past few decades. We designed a new type of CPB to reduce the secretion of systemic inflammatory markers. We used a low prime volume pump (LPVP), completely closed CPB circuit and examined coagulant factors and inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of LPVP using molecular biological data. Fourteen patients were randomized prospectively into two groups: Group L patients underwent LPVP ( n = 8) and Group N patients underwent normal prime volume CPB ( n = 6). We measured thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), complement factor (C3a), and interleukin (IL)-10 levels at four time points. TAT (66.1 ± 15.1 ng·mL−1), C3a (1895 ± 282 ng·mL−1) and IL-10 (486 ± 114 pg·mL−1) levels in Group N were significantly higher than in Group L (TAT, 19.5 ± 4.4 ng·mL−1; IL-10, 105 ± 24.6 pg·mL−1; C3a, 1349 ± 369 ng·mL−1) immediately following CPB. LPVP demonstrated a lower systemic inflammatory response compared to normal prime volume CPB, as assessed using a molecular biological approach.
Bioprosthetic Dysfunction Caused by Preserved Native Valve in Tricuspid Position
Authors: Kobayashi Mariko , Asou Toshihide , Lin Zong-Bo , Takeda Yuko , Ohara Kuniyoshi , Yoshimura Hirokuni
Published: May 2013

We report a 4-year-old girl who underwent replacement of a bioprosthetic valve in the tricuspid position due to rare bioprosthetic dysfunction. The bioprosthetic valve showed marked tricuspid insufficiency as well as stenosis caused by the adhesion of the preserved native valve leaflets to the undersurface of the implanted bioprosthesis.
Severe Tracheal Compression as a Late Complication of Plombage
Authors: Narayan Pradeep , Yunus Aftab , Morgan John A , Ascione Raimondo
Published: May 2013

Prior to the antituberculous drugs era, plombage was commonly performed for the management of pulmonary tuberculosis. However, this procedure has been associated with a variety of early and late complications depending on the technique as well as the material used. We report a rare case of severe tracheal compression as a late complication of plombage and a review of the literature.
Pulmonary Artery Sling Associated with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Takeda Yuko , Asou Toshihide , Fakhri Dicky , Rahayoe Anna U , Yoshimura Hirokuni , Rachmat Jusuf
Published: May 2013

We describe a rare case of pulmonary artery sling occurring simultaneously with tetralogy of Fallot. This report describes the successful concomitant repair of both intracardiac anomalies.