Results of combined preoperative direct percutaneous embolization and surgical excision in treatment of carotid body tumors.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors are infrequent neoplasms in daily practice. Diagnostic difficulties exist because of their slow growth and asymptomatic progress. The surgical treatment is complicated and difficult due to their proximity to vascular and neural structures. In this study we present the results of 12 patients operated for carotid body tumor that underwent preoperative percutaneous direct embolization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 12 patients, diagnosed with carotid body tumor and surgically treated at our department between 2000 and 2010, was retrospectively analyzed. Duplex ultrasound, computerized tomography and selective carotid angiography were the applied diagnostic tools. Two days before the planned surgery all patients underwent percutaneous direct embolization to achieve devascularization of the tumor. Afterwards, surgical excision of the mass under general anesthesia was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Five tumors were classified as Shamblin type I (41.7%), and the others were type II (58.3%). All masses were removed sub-adventitially and no vascular reconstruction was necessary. There was no mortality and no permanent neural damage. Malfunction of the tongue was observed in only one case, which recovered completely in one month. There was one recurrence detected by Duplex ultrasound and angiography during the follow up period. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision is mandatory to be performed as soon as diagnosed in carotid body tumors. Preoperative direct percutaneous embolization of the mass helps to devascurize the tumor, enabling an optimal surgical procedure. The outcomes of such a combined intervention are excellent and neurovascular structure preservation decreases complication and morbidity rates.

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome in a patient with Behçet's disease.

We present a case of a 44-year-old woman with Behçet's disease, who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. The patient was readmitted with symptoms of dizziness and angina pectoris that became more severe with movement of her left arm. Angiography revealed a totally occlusive stenosis, caused by coronary subclavian steal syndrome, which was detected in the left subclavian artery. The aim of this report is to emphasize the relationship between Behçet's disease and vascular occlusive changes.

Results of endocardial radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation during mitral valve surgery.

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of thermocontrolled endocardial radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the patients with mitral valve disorder and associated chronic atrial fibrillation during mitral valve replacement operation. METHODS: Between February 2002 and January 2004, 43 patients with mitral valve disease and associated chronic atrial fibrillation underwent mitral valve replacement and thermocontrolled endocardial RF ablation with Cobra RF system flexible probe at Gulhane Military Academy of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery. Eighteen of the patients (41.8%) were males, while the remaining 25 (58.2%) were females. The average age of the patients was 44+/-14.21 (18-66) years. Functional capacity of the patients was class II in 15 (34. 9%), class III in 24 (55.8%), class IV in 4 (9.3%) according to the NYHA classification. At the preoperative period all of the patients were evaluated routinely by twelve-lead ECG, chest film and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). For the patients over 40 years of age, we performed additional coronary angiography to delineate any coronary lesions. The patients were evaluated at months 1, 3, 6 and annually by twelve-lead ECG, TTE and holter monitoring after discharge. RESULTS: There were not any complications related to the performed technique. No operative and hospital mortality were recorded. At the follow-up period for 35 of 43 patients (81.4%) sinus rhythm was restored. The mean follow-up time was 24.3+/-11.2 (12-35) months. CONCLUSION: Endocardial RF ablation especially during mitral valve surgery is a simple technique to be performed. Early and midterm results of the cohort are satisfying.

Effect of posterior pericardiotomy on postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias and late pericardial effusion (posterior pericardiotomy).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of posterior pericardiotomy from the point of pericardial effusion related with supraventricular tachycardia and development of delayed posterior cardiac effusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized study was carried out in 200 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery in Gülhane Medical Academy Department of Cardiovascular Surgery between June 1996 and June 1997. Patients were divided into 2 groups; each group included 100 patients. Longitudinal incision was made parallel and posterior to the left phrenic nerve, extending from the left inferior pulmonary vein to the diaphragm in group I patients. Posterior pericardiotomy was not done in group II. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation was developed in 6 patients (6%) in group I and in 34 patients (34%) in group II (P =.0000007). Atrial flutter and other supraventricular arrhythmia prevalence was not statistically significant. Early and late pericardial effusion were developed 54% and 21%, respectively, in group II, but neither early nor late pericardial effusion were developed in group I (P =.00001). Delayed pericardial tamponade was also significantly lower in group I (0% vs 10%; P =.001). CONCLUSION: Posterior pericardiotomy is technically easy to perform and a safe and effective technique that reduces not only the prevalence of early pericardial effusion and related atrial fibrillation but also delayed posterior pericardial effusion and tamponade.

Postoperative use of aprotinin in cardiac operations: an alternative to its prophylactic use.

BACKGROUND: Aprotinin reduces blood loss after cardiopulmonary bypass. Although there can be little doubt about the efficacy of aprotinin, its safety has been questioned recently and is still under investigation. Because of the potential for complications and the high cost, a selective strategy limiting drug delivery to patients with established postoperative bleeding will be more reasonable. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial we studied the effect of postoperative low-dose (2 million kallikrein inactivator units) aprotinin on blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Fifty-seven patients were randomly assigned to two groups: aprotinin or placebo. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in all demographic and surgical variables. Postoperative chest tube drainage was significantly less in the aprotinin group than in the placebo group (410 ml vs 696 ml, p < 0.01). The use of homologous blood products was significantly less in the aprotinin group than in the placebo group (0.4 +/- 0.5 unit vs 1.7 +/- 0.9 unit for packed red blood cells and 0.8 +/- 1.3 unit vs 2.3 +/- 1.6 unit for fresh frozen plasma). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that postoperative aprotinin reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements and provides the opportunity to restrict its use selectively to patients with excessive postoperative bleeding.

Double coronary endarterectomy on the beating heart in two patients with porcelain aorta.

Patients with porcelain aorta carry a high risk of systemic embolism during coronary artery bypass grafting. Avoiding manipulation of the aorta during operation using the beating heart approach can prevent atheroemboli. In patients with diffuse atherosclerotic coronary artery disease who require endarterectomy, coronary bypass operations can be done safely on the beating heart.

Postoperative aprotinin: effect on blood loss and transfusion requirements in cardiac operations.

BACKGROUND: Aprotinin has been used increasingly to reduce postoperative blood loss in open heart operations. Although it was reported as safe in earlier studies, the overall safety of prophylactic use has been questioned recently. Because of the potential for complications and the high cost, it will be reasonable to use aprotinin more selectively in the postoperative period. METHODS: We prospectively studied the effect of postoperative low-dose aprotinin (2 million kallikrein inactivator units [280 mg]) on blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Seventy-five patients were randomly assigned to three groups: prophylactic high-dose aprotinin (group 1), postoperative aprotinin (group 2), or a nonmedicated control group (group 3). RESULTS: The three groups were comparable in all demographic and operative variables. Postoperative chest tube drainage was significantly decreased in both aprotinin groups compared with that in the control group (295 mL in group 1 and 325 mL in group 2 versus 411 mL in group 3; p < 0.05). No significant difference was seen between the two aprotinin groups. The use of homologous blood products was significantly less in group 1 and group 2 than in group 3 (1.15 +/- 1.13 U and 1.35 +/- 1.30 U versus 2.55 +/- 1.09 U; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that postoperative aprotinin reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements comparably with prophylactic high-dose aprotinin. Thus, one can restrict its use to patients with excessive postoperative bleeding.

Extended use of radial artery with Y-graft technique for complete arterial revascularization.

One of the biggest problems encountered during complete arterial revascularization is difficulty obtaining sufficient graft length to perform multiple distal anastomoses. We describe a technique of dividing the radial artery during harvest and forming one or more composite Y-grafts to allow end-to-side rather than sequential anastomoses without substantially decreasing usable conduit length. This approach has merit and may be helpful in some patients who require complex arterial grafting.

Left atrioventricular valve repair technique in partial atrioventricular septal defects.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of chordal transfer around the cleft on left atrioventricular valve competence in the late postoperative period. METHODS: Forty-four adult patients underwent surgical correction of partial atrioventricular septal defect between 1983 and 1997. Fenestration was found in 8 patients (18.2%) and cleft, in 35 (79.5%). There was no chordal support of the free edges of the left superior and left inferior leaflets around the cleft in 18 patients. Two chordae were mobilized from the left lateral leaflet and reimplanted into the tip of the left superior and left inferior leaflets around the cleft. RESULTS: At 5 years postoperatively, left atrioventricular valve insufficiency was severe in 5 patients and moderate in 11 patients who had had cleft closure alone. In contrast, severe valvular insufficiency was present in only 1 patient in the group with chordal transfer (p < 0.05). Reoperation was done in 5 patients with isolated cleft closure. Left AV valve replacement was performed in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Chordal transfer plus cleft closure with interrupted sutures significantly reduces early and late left atrioventricular valve incompetence and also decreases the rate of reoperation.

Coronary artery aneurysm associated with adult supravalvular aortic stenosis.

Two patients, aged 20 and 21 years, with supravalvular aortic stenosis and aneurysms of the coronary arteries are described. In supravalvular aortic stenosis, dilatation of the sinuses of Valsalva and multiple abnormalities of one or both coronary arteries are common. Aneurysm of coronary artery has not been well recognized as a lesion associated with supravalvular aortic stenosis. The operation in these patients was limited to relief of the supravalvular obstruction.

Vascular complications of intraaortic balloon pumping: unsheathed versus sheathed insertion.

Incidence of vascular complications in intraaortic balloon counterpulsation is still high despite major refinements in catheter design and techniques. One hundred twenty-six patients in whom intraaortic balloon pumping was attempted were divided into two groups on the basis of insertion technique. Group 1 included 77 patients in whom the conventional percutaneous insertion was used. In group 2 (n = 45 patients), a sheathless insertion technique was used. The overall vascular complication rate was 19.6%, with the lower limb ischemia as the most common complication. The vascular complication rate was 25.9% in group 1 and 8.8% in group 2 (p < 0.01). Lower limb ischemia was noted in 17 patients in group 1 and 3 patients in group 2 (p < 0.01). These results suggest that sheathless insertion of the intraaortic balloon pump catheter can minimize vascular complications. This technique will be especially useful in patients with peripheral vascular disease, in whom the likelihood of vascular complications is high.

Topical use of aprotinin in open heart operations.

Among various pharmacological agents used to reduce bleeding after open-heart operations, high-dose aprotinin therapy seems most promising. However, its long-term effects are still obscure; there is almost always possibility of bypass graft occlusions produced by the hypercoagulable state induced by aprotinin in coronary bypass operations. Topical application of aprotinin into the pericardial cavity could prevent the adverse effects. Fifty patients were prospectively studied to evaluate the effects of topical aprotinin. One million KIU of aprotinin was poured into the pericardial cavity before closure of the sternotomy in group 1 (n = 25). Patients in group 2 (n = 25) served as controls. Total postoperative bleeding was significantly reduced in group 1 when compared with that of group 2 (722.7 +/- 230.8 versus 1,282.6 +/- 225.7 mL; p < 0.01). The use of banked donor blood products was significantly less in group 1 than in group 2 (0.33 +/- 0.67 versus 1.36 +/- 0.86 units; p < 0.01). These results show that topical use of aprotinin reduces post-operative blood loss and need for transfusion. It seems promising and warrants further studies to be done.

Missed arterial injuries in military patients.

BACKGROUND: Military vascular injuries frequently result from fragment wounds while civilian vascular injuries usually are caused by gunshot wounds. The natural history of untreated major injuries by small low velocity fragments is not well known. This study evaluated the nature of these wounds. METHODS: From 1990 to 1995, 40 patients with a delayed diagnosis of an arterial injury in the extremity, abdomen, or neck were treated. The median delay between injury and diagnosis was 60 days. All patients had been seen at other military hospitals immediately after trauma. RESULTS: During initial hospitalization, immediate exploration had been performed in 23 patients and arteriogram in 3 patients. According to analysis of the records of patients, none of them had hard signs of vascular injury at the time of initial evaluation after trauma. Complications of missed arterial injuries included the following: false aneurysm, 21 (52.5%); arteriovenous fistula, 14 (35%); and occlusion, 5 (12.5%). The superficial femoral artery (n = 11) was the most commonly injured vessel. The remaining arteries included the following: carotid, 2; vertebral, 1; subclavian, 5; axillary, 2; brachial, 3; radial or ulnar, 2; internal iliac, 2; common femoral, 1; profunda femoris, 2; popliteal, 1; tibioperoneal, 8. Thirty-eight patients had penetrating wounds (21 fragments, 9 gunshot, 3 shotgun, 5 stab wounds), and only 2 patients had blunt trauma. All patients underwent surgery. There were no deaths and no loss of extremity, but 10 patients had fair results and only 4 patients required later reoperation. CONCLUSION: Traumatic arterial injuries that particularly are caused by low-velocity small fragment wounds can result in serious delayed complications months or even years after the injury. Patients with penetrating injuries must be closely monitored, and arteriography is recommended to evaluate the conditions of patients with potential vascular injury even when overt clinical signs or symptoms of vascular injury are absent.

Removal of the thrombosed prosthetic axillofemoral graft.

Late thrombosis of prosthetic graft material is rarely managed successfully by simple thrombectomy or thrombolytic therapy. Replacement with a new graft may be necessary. Although several techniques have been described, mobilizing and removing an old thrombosed prosthetic graft is usually extremely difficult because of a firm attachment to its tunnel. This attempt is more difficult especially for ringed grafts. We describe a simple technique of using an internal varicose vein stripper for the removal of such a late thrombosed axillofemoral spiral polytetrafluoroethylene graft and positioning a new graft into the old tunnel.

Long-term prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery surgery.

UNLABELLED: We researched the necessity of quinidine fumarate or acebutolol prophylaxis in patients in whom atrial fibrillation occurred in the postdischarge period and returned to sinus rhythm after coronary artery surgery. DESIGN: Prospective review. PATIENTS: Since 1992, 60 patients were chosen in whom atrial fibrillation occurred in early postoperative period. There were no significant differences between them and they were separated into 3 groups. In group I (20 patients) we did not give any drug, in group II (20 patients) quinidine fumarate was given and in group III (20 patients) acebutolol was given and patients were controlled for 90 days. RESULT: Atrial fibrillation occurred in one patient in group I, (5%), two in group II (10%) and two in group III (10%), (p < 0.05). Different from the other groups, atrial fibrillation was asymptomatic with low ventricular response in group III. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences among three groups statistically, so we suggested that long-term prevention of atrial fibrillation with quinidine fumarate or acebutolol was not necessary after coronary artery surgery.

Partially unroofed coronary sinus syndrome with persistent left superior vena cava, absent right superior vena cava and right-sided pericardial defect.

Partially unroofed coronary sinus syndrome with persistent left superior vena cava is a rare congenital anomaly. It frequently produces a right-to-left shunt. We report a case in which a large left-to-right shunt was present, because of the obstruction to left ventricular inflow as a result of the dilated coronary sinus. This abnormality was associated with absent right superior vena cava and a partial pericardial defect on the right side.

Aneurysm of the membranous septum in adult patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect.

OBJECTIVE: The aneurysm of the membranous septum (AMS) has often been considered as benign in the minds of many previous investigators. We have analyzed the complications with AMS in adult patients. METHODS: Fifty-one cases (20%) of AMS in 254 adult patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) are described. The diagnosis of AMS was based on angiographic criteria. Thirty-nine (76.5%) of the 51 patients with AMS were aged between 20 and 29 years. All patients but one with AMS had a pulmonary-to-systemic flow (Qp/Qs) of less than 2.3 (range 1-2.1, mean 1.4). In a patient who had a ruptured aneurysm, the Qp/Qs was 2.7. There were six main complications affected by AMS and/or VSD; aortic valve prolapse in 24 patients (47%), aortic regurgitation in 15 (29.4%), tricuspid insufficiency in nine (17.6%), right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in two (4%), and rupture of the aneurysm in one patient (2%). Seven patients (13.7%) had prior bacterial endocarditis. All patients underwent surgery. Aneurysm and VSD were closed by direct suture in nine and with a patch in 42 patients. Aortic valve repair was performed in 13 patients in whom regurgitation was mild to moderate, and replacement was required in two patients with severe aortic regurgitation. RESULTS: There were no early or late deaths. Residual communication and recurrence of the aneurysm was noted three and seven years postoperatively in two patients where VSD had been closed by direct suture. CONCLUSIONS: According to present data, aneurysm formation functionally reduces the VSD size, but it has the potential consequence of promoting tricuspid insufficiency, aortic valve prolapse, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, rupture and bacterial endocarditis. Therefore, we recommend that AMS should be resected completely and the defect produced closed with a patch in order to prevent further enlargement and consequent complications even if there are no cardiac symptoms.

Exact positioning of intra-aortic balloon catheter.

The positioning of the intra-aortic balloon catheter in the descending aorta is vital for successful balloon pumping. With transesophageal echocardiography, the catheter could be properly and rapidly positioned in the descending aorta.

Gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal (GI) complications after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are uncommon complications with significant morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS: From 1988 to 1995, 36 GI complications were identified in 3158 patients who underwent cardiac surgery (1.14% incidence). The mortality rate was 13.9%. Complications included hemorrhage in the GI tract in 22, perforated ulcer in 3, acute cholecystitis in 3, pancreatitis in 2, mesenteric ischemia in 3, diverticulitis in 1 and liver failure in 2 patients. RESULTS: Clinical risk factors included advanced age, combined coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)-valve operation, postoperative low cardiac output (LCO), prolonged ventilation time, re-exploration of the chest, sternal infection and a positive history of peptic ulcer. Patients with a prolonged pump time had an increased risk of GI complications (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal complications, although of low incidence, carry a significantly high mortality, and the clinician must be alert to institute early appropriate treatment.

Ligation in adult persistent ductus arteriosus.

Seventy one patients with a persistent ductus arteriosus were operated upon at the Cardiovascular Unit in Gülhane Military Medical Academy. The mean age of these cases was 24 years. Twenty five patients (35%) were asymptomatic. The average pulmonary artery systolic pressure was 50 +/- 22 mmHg. In the majority of the cases the ductus was ligated (91.5%), but 6 of the cases were treated by division (8.5%). Early and late complications or mortality were not encountered. In this study 71 cases are reviewed: the preoperative cardiac catheterization and the operative findings are studied in relation to the surgical procedures used. Ligation is a simple, quick and effective surgical treatment for persistent ductus arteriosus in adults.