Surgical aortic valve replacement in octogenarians: Single-center perioperative outcomes and five-year survival.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease. The number of octogenarians proposed for intervention is growing due to increased lifespan. In this manuscript we aim to evaluate perioperative outcome and long-term survival after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in octogenarians, comparing patients with low surgical risk (EuroscoreII <4%) with intermediate-high risk (EuroscoreII ≥4%). METHODS: A retrospective observational single-center cohort study with 195 patients aged ≥80 years old, who underwent SAVR between 2017 and 2021, was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups according to EuroscoreII: (1) Low risk (EuroscoreII <4%) with intermediate-high risk (EuroscoreII ≥4%). Continuous variables are presented in median (IQR), analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum test; categorical variables in percentages, analyzed using chi-squared test; and survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier, open cohort, and the log-rank test was performed. RESULTS: The overall median age was 82 (IQR 81-83), with 4.6% of the patients ≥85 years old. 23.6% of the patients presented EuroscoreII ≥4%. No complications were observed in 26.2%, with a significantly higher rate in intermediate-high risk patients. Postoperative need for hemodynamic support was the most frequent complication, followed by postoperative acute kidney injury and the use of blood products. Overall median ICU stay was three days (2-4) and hospital length of stay (LOS) six days (5-8). Patients with intermediate-high risk and those with complications had longer ICU LOS. At 12 months, overall survival was 96.4%, at three years 94.1% and 5 years 75.4%. Patients with low surgical risk had higher survival proportions up to 5 years. CONCLUSION: SAVR in patients ≥80 years is associated with low in-hospital mortality, although a significant proportion of patients develop complications. Long-term follow-up up to five years after surgery is acceptable in octogenarians with low surgical risk.

Association between frailty phenotype, quantification of plasma HIV-1 RNA, CD4 cell count and HAART in HIV-positive subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

HIV infection causes a constant activation of the immune system and contributes to an enhanced systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, which has been associated with premature aging and frailty. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze whether the HIV-1 RNA load, CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and exposure to HAART in HIV-positive subjects are associated with frailty phenotype. Searches were performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, Lilacs, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and OpenThesis databases. We used the odds ratio as a measure of the association. We used either a fixed or random-effects model to pool the results of individual studies depending on the presence of heterogeneity. Eleven studies were included in the review. Data from 8035 HIV-positive subjects were analyzed; 2413 of the subjects had viral load detectable, 981 had a CD4T-cell count <350 cells/µL, and 1342 had HAART exposure information. We found an association between frailty and CD4T-cell count <350 cells/µL (OR 2.68, CI 95% 1.68-4.26, I2 = 46%), HIV-1 RNA load detectable (OR 1.71, CI 95% 1.38-2.12, I2 = 0%), and protease inhibitor-containing HAART regimen (OR 2.21, CI 95% 1.26-3.89, I2 = 0%). Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effects of other factors on the development of clinical features related to frailty.

Oral and maxillofacial conditions, dietary aspects, and nutritional status of children with congenital Zika syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate oral and maxillofacial outcomes in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and the presence of nonnutritive sucking habits, functional habits, and features related to breastfeeding and nutrition of these children. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 45 children with CZS and 50 healthy controls in Sergipe state, Brazil, from February 2018 to June 2018. Demographic and clinical data, including breastfeeding and feeding data, were obtained for each child. Additionally, oral and maxillofacial evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Low weight (prevalence rate [PR] 8.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02-34.45), nonexclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months (PR 1.56; 95% CI 1.18-2.08); mouth breathing (PR 3.46; 95% CI 1.83-6.52); difficulty in swallowing (PR 6.00; 95% CI 2.53-14.25); and excessive salivation (PR 4.81; 95% CI 2.18-10.62) were more frequent in children with CZS. Children with CZS were more likely to have abnormal insertion of the upper labial frenulum (PR 7.04; 95% CI 2.23-22.20); ogival palate (PR 3.70; 95% CI 1.63-8.40), dental enamel defects (PR 2.22; 95% CI 1.05-4.69); and delayed dental eruption (PR 8.89; 95% CI 1.16-68.32) compared with healthy children. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CZS had a higher frequency of problems related to breastfeeding, low weight, and oral and maxillofacial abnormalities compared with healthy children.

Telomere length and frailty in older adults-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Telomere shortening has been proposed as a potentially useful biomarker of human ageing and age-related morbidity and mortality. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize results from individual studies on the telomere length according to the frailty status and frailty index in older adults. We searched the PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases to identify studies that evaluated the telomere length in frail and non-frail older adults and the relationship between telomere length and frailty index score. We used the base pairs (bp) as a measure of the telomere length. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Nine studies were included in the present systematic review and a total of 10,079 older adults were analyzed. We found that the frail older adults (n = 355) had shorter telomeres than the non-frail (n = 1894) (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] -0.41; 95% CI -0.73 to -0.09; P = 0.01; I2 = 82%). Significant differences in telomere length between frail and non-frail older adults were identified in Hispanic (SMD -1.31; 95% CI -1.71 to -0.92; P < 0.0001; I2 = 0%) but not in Non-Hispanic countries (SMD -0.13; 95% CI -0.26 to 0.00; P = 0.06; I2 = 0%). Similar results were found in the adjusted meta-analysis (SMD -0.56; 95% -1.12 to 0.00; P = 0.05; I2 = 85%). A significant but weak relationship was found between telomere length and frailty index analyzing 8244 individuals (SMD -0.06; 95% IC -0.10 to 0.01; P = 0.01; I2 = 0%). The current available evidence suggests that telomere length may be not a meaningful biomarker for frailty. Because the potential influence of ethnicity in shortening of telomeres and decline in physiologic reserves associated with aging, additional multiethnic studies are needed.

Cryotherapy in reducing pain, trismus, and facial swelling after third-molar surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy in reducing pain, trismus, and facial swelling in patients undergoing third-molar surgery. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors searched for randomized clinical trials in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, and OpenThesis. Eligibility criteria were population: patients submitted to removal of impacted third molars; intervention and comparison: postoperative cryotherapy versus no cold therapy; and outcomes: primary outcome was postoperative pain, and secondary outcomes were facial swelling and trismus. Eligible studies must have reported at least 1 of the outcomes of interest. After extracting data and assessing quality, the authors performed the meta-analyses. RESULTS: The authors included 6 studies in the quantitative synthesis analysis. Differences in pain intensity were found on postoperative day 2 (weighted mean difference, -0.72; 95% confidence interval, -1.45 to 0.01; P = .05) and postoperative day 3 (weighted mean difference, -0.36; 95% confidence interval, -0.59 to -0.13; P = .002). No evidence was found that cryotherapy was effective in reducing trismus and facial swelling. The quality of evidence was graded as low. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Evidence suggests that cryotherapy may have a small benefit in reducing pain after third-molar surgery, but it is not effective on facial swelling and trismus. Owing to the lack of standardization of cold application, effective evidence-based treatment protocols for cryotherapy after third-molar surgery still need to be established.

Association between human herpes virus seropositivity and frailty in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Frailty is an emerging geriatric syndrome characterized by decreased physiologic reserve and increased vulnerability to environmental factors. Several studies have examined the association between persistent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and poor clinical outcomes in the elderly, but the results are often contradictory. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the association between human herpesvirus seropositivity [CMV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV)] and frailty in elderly people. Searches were performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, Lilacs, IBECS, and Web of Science databases. We used the odds ratio (OR) as a measure of the association between herpesvirus infections and frailty. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Six studies were included in the present systematic review. The data from 2559 elderly subjects were analyzed; 1571 of the subjects had ages between 60 and 79 years, and 988 of the subjects were older than 80. We found an association between CMV seropositivity and frailty in the elderly aged 60-79 years (OR 2.33, CI 95% 1.48-3.67) but not in the oldest-old subjects (OR 0.67, CI 95% 0.42-1.05). Moreover, no association was found between EBV, VZV, and HSV infections and frailty. Current evidence suggests an association between CMV seropositivity and frailty in individuals aged 60-79 years old.

Preoperative Tranexamic Acid for Treatment of Bleeding, Edema, and Ecchymosis in Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Evidence has emerged on the efficacy of tranexamic acid to control blood loss and postoperative complications after rhinoplasty. Objective: To investigate the results of tranexamic acid use to reduce intraoperative bleeding, postoperative eyelid edema, and periorbital ecchymosis in rhinoplasty. Data Sources and Study Selection: For this systematic review of randomized clinical trials, searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, OpenThesis, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to December 23, 2017. Key words included tranexamic acid, rhinoplasty, and nasal surgical procedures. The following elements were used to define eligibility criteria: (1) population: patients undergoing rhinoplasty surgery; (2) intervention and controls: tranexamic acid vs placebo solution or no-treatment control group; (3) outcomes: intraoperative bleeding, postoperative eyelid edema and periorbital ecchymosis, and thromboembolic events; and (4) study type: randomized clinical trials. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality according to the Cochrane guidelines for randomized clinical trials. Treatment effects were defined as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CIs. The strength of evidence was analyzed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation rating system. Main Outcomes and Measures: Intraoperative bleeding, postoperative eyelid edema and periorbital ecchymosis. To calculate the effect sizes, means and SDs were obtained for each study group and outcome of interest. Results: Five studies comprising 276 patients were included in the systematic review: 177 patients (64.1%) were women, and mean age was 26.8 (range, 16-42) years. Four studies comprising 246 patients estimated the amount in intraoperative bleeding as a primary outcome and were included in the meta-analysis. Eyelid edema and ecchymosis were evaluated as outcomes in 2 studies. Tranexamic acid was associated with reduced bleeding during rhinoplasty was found (WMD, -42.28 mL; 95% CI, -70.36 to -14.21 mL), with differences (P = .01) between oral (WMD, -61.70 mL; 95% CI, -83.02 to -40.39 mL; I2 = 0%) and intravenous (WMD, -23.88 mL; 95% CI, -45.19 to -2.58 mL; I2 = 56%) administration. Eyelid edema and ecchymosis scores in patients receiving tranexamic acid were significantly lower compared with the control group within the first postoperative week: lower eyelid edema, WMD, -0.76; 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.49 and lower eyelid ecchymosis, WMD, -0.94; 95% CI, -1.80 to -0.08. No cases of thromboembolic events were reported. Conclusions and Relevance: Current available evidence suggests that preoperative administration of tranexamic acid is safe and may reduce intraoperative bleeding as well as postoperative eyelid edema and ecchymosis in patients undergoing rhinoplasty.

Femicide trends in Brazil: relationship between public interest and mortality rates.

In this information epidemiology (infodemiology) study, we describe the online public interest about the issue of femicide in Brazil and analyze the relationship between search queries and femicide trends from 2004 to 2015. We showed that information-seeking behavior for femicide in the Brazilian states has been strongly influenced by female homicide rates. Educational and policy-related interventions are needed to improve the population's knowledge and attitude toward femicide.

[Results of the utilization of the ECMO-VA following cardiac surgery, in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Santa Maria Hospital]. / Resultados Da Utilização Da Ecmo-va Em Doentes Pós Cirurgia Cardíaca No departamento De Cirurgia Cardiotorácica Do Hospital De Santa Maria.

OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation through a veno-arterial circuit (ECMO-VA) is an organ support option in refractory cardiogenic shock, when the primary cause of decompensation is thought to be reversible. We report the clinical results of this technique in patients submitted to cardiac surgery at our center. METHODS: We present a retrospective study of patients that underwent ECMO-VA after cardiac surgery and subsequent admission at the intensive care unit (ICU), in our center. The data were collected from clinical records. The statistical analysis was made with an SPSS 22.0 data base. RESULTS: We report data on 7 patients with an average age of 62 years. The mean SAPS II was 56 points, the Euroscore II was 17% and the British Columbia Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Score was 71%. 57% of patiens underwent myocardial revascularization surgery, 29% were submitted to valvular surgery and 14% of the patients underwent an aortic surgery. All of the patients underwent peripheral cannulation, 71% of which was placed during surgery and in the remaining 29%, immediately after. All of the patients were put on mechanical ventilation and 86% needed an intra-aortic baloon and renal support. The main complications were acute renal injury (100%), coagulopathy (86%), emergency re-sternothomy (43%) ischaemia of the cannulated limb (29%) and central nervous system complications (29%). The average time of ECMO-VA use was 5 days and the mean stay in the ICU was 19 days. In 57% of patients, the de-cannulation was successful. The average in-patient survival was 43%. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation through a veno-arterial circuit (ECMO-VA) is an organ support option in refractory cardiogenic shock, when the primary cause of decompensation is thought to be reversible. The timely utilization of the procedure is crucial in cases with high probability of reversible causes of cardiogenic shock, where the rational for its use is to allow time for the myocardium to recover. The main difficulty identified for the procedure was the selection of patients that would benefit from this organ support, since there are no clear guidelines in the literature for its application. In our center, we obtained a survival rate of 43%, in line with values from international centers which report a survival rate between 20-40%. The use off this tool is indispensable for a center of cardiothoracic surgery. Without this technique, the surviving patients would present a high rate of mortality and consequently our surgical work would be frustrating.

[Perioperative myocardial infarction in coronary bypass surgery: characterization of risk factors, clinical pictures and prognosis]. / Enfarte do miocárdio perioperatorio em cirurgia coronária: caracterização dos factores de risco, dos quadros clínicos e do prognóstico.

UNLABELLED: Perioperative myocardial infarction ( POMI ) in cardiac surgery is an issue that deserves to be revisited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis of POMI in high-risk patients ( pts ) undergoing coronary bypass surgery ( CABG ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 694 pts undergoing isolated CABG - 252 pts with conventional CABG and 442 pts with off-pump CABG - and operated on by 4 surgeons largely experienced in both CABG modalities. POMI diagnosis: biochemical criteria - 1 ) late ( at or after 24 hrs of postoperative period ) troponin ( > 7 ng/mL ) and/or CKMBm ( > 40 ng/mL ) peak values, with inverted V-shaped curves; 2 ) prolonged troponin release ( ⋝ 48 hrs ), with a plateau-like curve ( without a well defined peak ) and a normal/abnormal CKMBm curve. POMI was diagnosed in 116 pts ( 20.6 % of conventional CABG pts and 14.5 % of off-pump CABG pts, p < 0.05 ), that constituted Group ( Gr ) A. GrA pts were compared with GrB pts ( without POMI ). RESULTS: 1 ) Risk factors ( GrA vs GrB ): female gender 30 % vs 21 % (NS ) ; logistic Euroscore 5.6 % vs 5.9 % ( NS ); pre-operative clinical instability 17 % vs 23 % ( NS ); incomplete revascularization 39 % vs 38 % ( NS ); multi-territorial vascular disease 42 % vs 32 % ( p < 0.05 ); diffuse coronary artery disease 46 % vs 33 % ( p < 0.025 ); betablocker treatment 58 % vs 70 % ( p < 0.025 ); statin therapy for > 3 months 56 % vs 81 % ( p < 0.0001 ). 2 ) POMI clinical characteristics: asymptomatic/oligosymptomatic 70 %; severe 18 %; extensive 15 %. 3 ) Dysrhythmic profile ( GrA vs GrB ): sinus tachycardia > 115 bpm 9.6 % vs 2.9 % ( p < 0.01 ); atrial pacing for > 4 hrs 5.2 % vs 17.6 % ( p < 0.01 ); very early ( up to 2 hrs of postoperative period ) atrial tachyarrhythmia 4.3 % vs 0.9 % ( p < 0.025 ). 4 ) Hospital mortality ( GrA vs GrB ); global 9.6 % vs 2.1 % ( p < 0.001 ); cardiovascular 6.1 % vs 0.7 % ( p < 0.001 ). CONCLUSIONS: 1 ) POMI is more frequent in conventional CABG. 2 ) Although frequently asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic, POMI shows adrenergic hyperactivity that significantly influences the postoperative dysrhythmic profile. 3 ) POMI is a marker of potentially ominous prognosis. 4 ) Instability of multiple coronary lesions seems to be the main non-technical POMI risk factor, and an intensive pre-operative treatment with statins may eventually exert an important role in POMI prevention.

Impact of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in cardiac surgery: retrospective analysis of a series of 850 examinations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) on surgical decisions patients undergoing cardiac surger in a Portuguese hospital. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed a series of 850 examinations performed between 2003 and 2009 in patients who underwent different cardiac surgical procedures. Medical records and TEE reports were reviewed to determine whether new information was found and whether this changed the surgical plan. RESULTS: Intraoperative TEE revealed new information in 32% of the study population and had surgical impact in 29% of all patients. TEE had the greatest impact in class I indications, but its use in class II indications also had a significant impact. No cases of morbidity or mortality were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that intraoperative TEE should be used routinely in all patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Fragmentation channels in dissociative electron recombination with hydronium and other astrophysically important species.

We report on our recent studies of dissociative recombination (DR) employing two different fragment imaging detection techniques at the TSR storage ring in Heidelberg, Germany. Principles of an upgraded 3D optical system and the new energy-sensitive multistrip detector (EMU) are explained together with possible applications in reaction dynamics studies. With the EMU imaging detector we succeeded to observe the branching ratios after DR of deuterated hydronium ions D(3)O(+) at energies of 0-0.5 and 4-21 eV. The branching ratios are almost constant at low energies while above 6 eV both oxygen-producing channels O + D + D + D and O + D(2) + D strongly increase and dominate by about 85% at 11 eV. To demonstrate further capabilities of our fragment imaging detectors, we also summarize some of our additional recent studies on DR of molecular ions important for astrophysics as well as for fundamental unimolecular dynamics.

[Advantages of off-pump coronary bypass surgery over conventional coronary bypass surgery]. / Vantagens da cirurgia coronária sem CEC sobre a cirurgia coronária convencional.

UNLABELLED: Comparison between off-pump coronary bypass surgery ( OP-CABG )and conventional CABG ( C-CABG ) remains a controversial issue. OBJECTIVE: To compare short and long term OP-CABG and C-CABG results in high-risk patients ( pts ), in absence of usual bias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study of 752 pts ( 252 pts with C-CABG and 500 with OP-CABG ) consecutively operated throughout 23 months by 4 surgeons largely experienced in both CABG modalities. For comparison of results, two groups ( Gr ) of pts were constituted - GrA, with 252 C-CABG pts, and GrB, with 252 OP-CABG pts - being the pts blindly matched for gender ( female sex - 51 pts ), age ( mean of 65 vs 64 yrs ), angiographic data ( 3 - VD ÷ left main - 92 % vs 90 % ), additive Euroscore ( mean of 4.6 vs 4.6 ), prior myocardial infarction ( 58 % vs 59 % ), history of diabetes ( 48 % vs 49 % ) or hypertension ( 83 % vs 83 % ). Other clinical data ( GrA vs GrB ): left ventricular dysfunction - 39 % vs 34 % ( NS ); logistic Euroscore - mean of 5.4 % vs 5.9 % ( NS ). Surgical results, in-hospital clinical evolution, in-hospital costs ( intra-operative and major post-operative costs ), and short-term ( mean of 50 days ) and long-term ( mean of 5 years ) follow-up were object of evaluation. Results ( GrA vs GrB ): 1 ) Nr of bypasses ÷ pt 2.9 vs 2.4 ( p < 0.01 ); nr of arterial conduits ÷ pt 1.2 vs 1.2; complete revascularization 60 % vs 60 %; surgical total time 155 ± 49 vs 136 ± 42 min ( p < 0.001 ); surgical total time in pts with 3 bypasses 157 ± 41 vs 156 ± 37 min ( NS ). 2 ) In-hospital post-operative evolution: inotropic support ( IS ) 46 % vs 29 % ( p < 0.001 ); heavy IS 14 % vs 6 % ( p < 0.025 ) ; uncomplicated post-operative course 18 % vs 26 % ( p < 0.025 ); significant CV events ( excluding atrial tachyarrhythmias ) 33 % vs 20 % ( p < 0.01 ); infection 22 % vs 14 % ( p < 0.05 ); severe complications 22 % vs 9.5 % ( p < 0.001 ); mean intensive care length of stay 4 vs 3 days ( p < 0.01 ); surgery-to-discharge length of stay 11.3 vs 9.8 days ( p ⋝ 0.05 ); in-hospital mortality ( HM ) 4.4 % vs 2.0 % ( NS ); HM + disabling chronic morbidity 7.5 % vs 3.2 % ( p < 0.05 ) . 3 ) In-hospital costs: intra-operative - superposable; post-operative - excess of about 900 euro ÷ pt in GrA. 4 ) Short-term follow-up: asymptomatic pts - 75 % vs 85 % ( p < 0.025 ); post-discharge complications - 8.3 % vs 7.7 % ( NS ); probability of being alive and asymptomatic + 17 % in GrB ( p < 0.01 ); mortality 0 % vs 0 %. 5 ) Long-term-follow-up ( 87 % vs 90 % pts ), at 5 years: pts alive with no clinical evidence of active coronary artery disease 72 % vs 75 % ( NS ); significant ÷ severe cardiac events of coronary origin 18.8 % vs 9.3 % ( p < 0.025 ); elective PTCA 4.8 % vs 2.3 % ( NS ); all-cause mortality 11.8 % vs 11.9 %; coronary mortality 6.9 % vs 4.4 % ( NS ). CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands and before high-risk pts, OP-CABG offers lesser post-operative risks than C-CABG, with clear and positive consequences on in-hospital costs and short-term follow-up. During long-term follow-up, the revascularization benefits obtained by OP-CABG are not inferior to those conferred by C-CABG, and a significant reduction of the incidence of severe cardiac events can even be seen in a particular subset of pts.

[Results of Dor's endoventricular repair in the management of left ventricular aneurysms]. / Resultados da reparação endoventricular de Dor no tratamento cirurgico dos aneurismas do ventrículo esquerdo.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular aneurysms are serious long-term complications from acute myocardial infarction that produce hemodynamic alterations in the cardiac function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the chirurgical and clinic results of the endoventricular patch repair of the akinetic or dyskinetic portions of the left ventricle. METHODS: From August 2002 to October 2005, 20 consecutive patients underwent surgical repair of left ventricular aneurysm using the endoventricular patch repair technique. The mean age was 63,6 years, and 80% where male. Every patient have had only one episode of acute myocardial infarction, which resulted in a akinetic or dyskinetic alteration in the motility of the left ventricle. The preoperative functional class of most of the patients was class III or IV and 45% where on angina class II. In 90% of the patients the ventricular aneurysm where antero-septal. Left ventricular dysfunction was present in 65%. RESULTS: All patients underwent the Dor procedure associated with coronary artery bypass grafting. There was no perioperative mortality. One patient died in the immediate postoperative period. Four patients needed inotropic support for more than 24h and intra-aortic balloon pumping was used postoperatively in two cases. Mean hospital stay was 8,6 days. At late follow-up the functional class was I in 20%, class II in 55% and class III in 10%. The angina class was I in 65% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical repair of left ventricular aneurysm using the endoventricular patch repair technique proved to be safe, causing significant clinical improvement and an increase in the ejection fraction.

[Grawitz tumor with invasion of the inferior vena cava and right atrium: surgical management with a multidisciplinary team]. / Tumor de grawitz com invasão da veia cava inferioraté à auricula direita: tratamento cirúrgico com equipa multidisciplinar.

In this paper, the clinical condition of a 56 year old male patient is reported, with the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, complicated by a tumoral thrombus, extended from the renal vein into the vena cava and right atrium, who underwent surgical treatment. The operation consisted in the radical nephrectomy associated to the vena caval thrombectomy, under extracorporeal circulation, utilizing a multidisciplinary team composed by urologists, vascular and cardio-thoracic surgeons. The main features related to the diagnosis and surgical management of this case are described and discussed, according to data taken from the most recent publications of the literature on the subject.

[Reoperation in mitral valve reconstructive surgery]. / Reoperações e, cirurgia reconstrutiva da válvula mitral.

UNLABELLED: In the past few years reconstructive surgery of the mitral valve has experienced a growing popularity. It is now clearly established that restoration of a normal function valve is preferable to valve replacement. The authors report the results of the mitral valve reconstructive surgery in a population of 701 patients with high incidence of restrictive lesions of rheumatic fever. This represents an experience of 14 years. 5.1% of patients who underwent mitral valvuloplasty required late reoperation for recurrent mitral valve dysfunction. Repeat mitral valve repair resulted in successful treatment for 40% of these patients. CONCLUSION: The mitral valve repair failure are: 1--Procedure related: (58.1%); a--surgical technical related--35.8%; b--no ring implantation (in restrictive lesions)--15%; c-rupture of previously chordae shortened--7.4%. 2--Valve related: (41.9%); a--progressive primary valve disease--(25.4%); b--wrong surgical indication--(15%); c--endocarditis--(1.5%).

Tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas diafisárias do antebraço / Surgical treatment of diaphysial fractures of the forearm

Uma revisäo de 70 pacientes com fraturas diafisárias dos ossos do antebraço, tratados com placa e parafuso, seguindo método AO, foi realizada em nosso serviço. O resultado funcional baseado na pronossupinaçäo foi bom em 93 por cento dos casos. A média de consolidaçäo de acordo com estudo radiológico foi de dez semanas.