Elevation of cardiac enzymes and B-type natriuretic peptides following venous recanalization and stenting in chronic venous obstruction.

BACKGROUND: B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP) and cardiac enzymes are both recognized biomarkers of heart health. Many studies have reported that using these indicators can assess cardiac condition and predict prognosis of patients undergoing surgery. Currently little is known on the effect of increased cardiac input after venous recanalization on cardiac physiology in patients with chronic venous obstruction (CVO). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of iliocaval recanalization and stenting on cardiac biomarkers in patients with CVO. METHODS: This was a prospective study involving 60 patients in a single unit. Blood tests were collected 1 day before and 1 day after venous intervention. Three groups as group 1: patients with iliofemoral post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) but without involvement of inferior vena cava (IVC) (n = 33); group 2: patients with iliofemoral PTS and involvement of IVC (n = 19) and group 3: patients with non-thrombotic vein lesion (NIVL) (n = 8) were compared based on cardiac biomarker levels. RESULTS: Median concentration of post-operative BNP (259.60 pg/mL) was greater than preoperative levels (49.80 pg/mL) [interquartile range (IQR), 147.15/414.68 versus 29.85/82.88; p < 0.001]. The levels of CK-MB [preop: 3 U/l (IQR, 1.40/11.00) versus postop: 14 U/l (IQR, 12/17), p < 0.001] and troponin T [preop: 3.00 pg/mL (IQR, 3.00/5.25) versus postop: level of 6 pg/mL (IQR, 3.00/9.50), p < 0.001]. Post-procedure increases in cardiac enzymes showed significant differences in BNP (p = 0.023) and troponin T (p = 0.007) across the three groups, while CK-MB levels were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Intergroup comparisons of postoperative BNP: group 1 versus group 2 (p = 0.013), group 2 versus group 3 (p = 0.029), group 1 versus group 3 (p = 0.834); and postoperative troponin T: group 1 versus group 2 (p = 0.018), group 2 versus group 3 (p = 0.002), group 1 versus group 3 (p = 0.282). According to multiple linear regression analysis, length of stenting and level of preoperative BNP were independent determinants of postoperative BNP levels (p < 0.05), and preoperative troponin T affected postoperative troponin T independently (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Troponin T, CK-MB and BNP seem to increase after venous recanalization and stent implantation, the elevation being more prominent for longer lesions.

Interventional treatment for post-thrombotic chronic venous obstruction: Progress and challenges.

Chronic venous obstruction, including nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions and post-thrombotic syndrome, presents a significant burden on patients' quality of life and health care systems. Venous recanalization and stenting have emerged as promising minimally invasive approaches, yet challenges in patient selection, procedural techniques, and long-term outcomes persist. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the interventional treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome, focusing on the evolution of endovascular techniques and stenting. Patient selection criteria, procedural details, and the characteristics of dedicated venous stents are discussed. Particular emphasis is given to the role of inflow and other anatomical considerations, along with postoperative management protocols for an optimal long-term outcome.

The anterior saphenous vein. Part 4. Clinical and technical considerations in treatment. Endorsed by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, and the International Union of Phlebology.

BACKGROUND: The decision to treat a refluxing anterior saphenous vein (ASV) should be a clinical decision based on the assessment on the ASV's contribution to patient's signs and symptoms. Once the decision to treat has been made, there are anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations in treatment planning. METHODS: Clinical scenarios were discussed by a panel of experts and common anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations were identified. RESULTS: There are unique clinical considerations such as whether both the great saphenous vein (GSV) and ASV should be concomitantly treated, if a normal ASV should be treated when treating a refluxing GSV and when and how to treat the associated tributary varicose tributaries. Being aware of the anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations allows development of a treatment plan that optimizes long-term outcomes in patients with ASV reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately the treatment plan should be tailored to address these types of variables in a patient-centered discussion.

The anterior saphenous vein. Part 3. Systematic review of the literature and payor coverage policies. Endorsed by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, and the International Union of Phlebology.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to systemically review the literature on Anterior Saphenous Vein (ASV) reflux treatment and insurance impediments to treatment coverage. METHODS: A literature search was performed using a PRISMA framework. In addition, a cross-sectional analysis of insurance policies for ASV treatment was evaluated. RESULTS: Published evidence and treatment considerations in the literature for ASV treatment are discussed. In 155 of 226 (68.6%) insurance policies reviewed coverage of ASV ablation was allowed while 62/226 (27.4%) did not specify coverage and 9/226 (4.0%) specified ASV treatment was not covered. Of the 155 that provide ASV coverage, 98 (62.2%) provide coverage with criteria such as requiring prior treatment of the great saphenous vein. CONCLUSIONS: Vein treatment experts should continue to advocate to insurance carriers to update their varicose vein treatment policies to reflect the substantial clinical evidence so that patients with ASV reflux can be appropriately treated.

The anterior saphenous vein. Part 2. Anatomic considerations in normal and refluxing patients. Endorsed by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, and the International Union of Phlebology.

BACKGROUND: The term Anterior Accessory of the Great Saphenous Vein suggests this is a branch tributary vein despite this vessel's anatomic features of a truncal vein. A multisocietal group suggested to designate this the anterior saphenous vein (ASV). This study was aimed to evaluate its ultrasound anatomy in normal and varicose limbs. METHODS: The clinical anatomy of the ASV was evaluated by narrative review of the literature. Additionally, the course of the ASV was evaluated in 62 limbs with no evidence of venous disease and 62 limbs with varicosities. RESULTS: The ASV length, patterns of origin and termination are reported in both normal and patients with varicose veins. Discussion of the patterns is supported by the narrative review of the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The ASV must be considered a truncal vein and its treatment modalities should be the same that for the great and small saphenous veins rather than a tributary vein.

The anterior saphenous vein. Part 1. A position statement endorsed by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, and the International Union of Phlebology.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of clarity regarding the terminology of the anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV) that can impact treatment outcomes. Although use of the word "accessory" implies that the vein is a superficial tributary, evidence supports its role as a truncal vein, similar to the great and small saphenous veins, and warranting a change in terminology. METHODS: A multisocietal panel was convened by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS), the Union International of Phlebology (UIP), and the American Venous Forum (AVF). The group was charged with reviewing the existing anatomic and clinical literature pertaining to the term "anterior accessory saphenous vein" and to consider the need for alternative terminology. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the insights gathered from the literature review and extensive discussions, the panel recommends changing the terminology such that the "anterior accessory saphenous vein" (AASV) now be designated the anterior saphenous vein (ASV).

Aortic Valve Neocuspidization Procedure Provides Better Postoperative Outcomes When Compared to Rapid Deployement Aortic Valves.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the early results of rapid deployment aortic valves (RD-AVR) and aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) techniques. METHODS: Between December 2019 to May 2022, 104 patients were operated on with aortic stenosis by RD-AVR (N = 52) and AVNeo (N = 52) techniques. Patients with isolated aortic valve stenosis and aortic stenosis concomittant with planned other cardiac surgeries were included. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in the RD-AVR and AVNeo groups were 67.4 ± 7.8 vs. 62.9 ± 8.7, respectively. Aortic cross-clamp time in the RD-AVR group was 56.7 ± 23.3 minutes, while it was 104.1 ± 27.9 minutes in the AVNeo group (P < 0.001). Cardiopulmonary bypass time in the RD-AVR group and in the AVNeo group was 89.8 ± 27.6 minutes and 141.8 ± 36.7 minutes, respectively (P < 0.001). Permanent pacemaker become necessary in four patients in the RD-AVR group secondary to type 2 AV block. Paravalvular leak was observed in six patients, who underwent RD-AVR, while grade 2 central aortic regurgitation was observed in one patient in the AVNeo group. Hospital mortality was 8% in the RD-AVR group and 6% in the AVNeo group (P = 0.696). CONCLUSIONS: AVNeo procedure is a feasible technique in all age groups of patients with successful hemodynamic results in the early postoperative period and with the advantage of not requiring anticoagulants. It also can be applied with other cardiac surgical interventions.

Sulodexide Develops Contraction in Human Saphenous Vein via Endothelium-Dependent Nitric Oxide Pathway.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a proqgressive and underestimated condition related to a vicious circle established by venous reflux and endothelial inflammation, leading to vein dilation and histology distortion, including loss of media tone. Sulodexide (SDX) is a drug restoring the glycocalyx that demonstrated endothelial protection and permeability regulation, together with anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory roles. In the lab it also exhibited vein contractility function. The aim of the present study was to show the possible role of endothelium and nitric oxide pathway on SDX's veno-contractile effect on human saphenous veins. The remnants of great saphenous vein (GSV) segments (n = 14) were harvested during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. They were dissected as endothelium-intact (n = 8) and denuded rings (n = 6). First, a viability test was carried out in bath with Krebs-Henseleit solution to investigate a control and basal tension value. After this, cumulative doses of SDX were applied to rings and contraction values were studied in endothelium-intact phenylephrine (PheE, 6 × 10-7 M) pre-contracted vein rings. Finally, endothelium-intact PheE pre-contacted vein rings were treated by nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10-4 M) for 10 min. Contraction protocol was applied, and contraction values were measured in cumulative doses of SDX. The same protocol was applied to endothelium-denuded vein rings to investigate the effect of SDX. Saphenous vein rings showed an increase in contraction to cumulative doses of SDX. In endothel-intact rings, KCL-induced contraction from 92.6% ± 0.3 to 112.9% ± 0.4 with cumulative SDX doses. However, SDX did not show any veno-contractile effect on endothel-denuded rings. In denuded rings contraction responses measured from 94.9% ± 0.3 to 85.2% ± 0.3 with increasing doses of SDX, indicating no significant change. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) prohibited the contraction response of the sulodexide in all dosages, indicating that the contractile function of SDX was mediated by endothelial derived nitric oxide. Results of endothel-intact and denuded rings with L-NAME showed a similar incline with denuded rings with SDX only. The results confirmed SDX's veno-contractile effect in human samples, by means of nitric oxide synthase pathways involvement.

Effect of perioperative intravenous magnesium sulfate on postoperative pain after iliac venous stenting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of perioperative intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MS) on low back pain (LBP) severity after iliac venous stent implantation. METHODS: The present study was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 97 patients who had undergone iliac venous stenting for post-thrombotic syndrome between January 1, 2019 and January 11, 2021 were considered for inclusion in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had received perioperative MS infusions (group M) and those who had not (control group; group C). Group M was given an IV bolus of 20 mg/kg before anesthesia induction and an IV MS infusion of 20 mg/kg/h during the procedure. Postoperative LBP severity was evaluated using the numerical rating scale at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the procedure. The total tramadol consumption within 24 hours was measured with the help of a patient-controlled analgesia device. Moreover, additional analgesic needs and complaints of nausea and vomiting were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients were considered for inclusion in the present study. Of the 97 patients, 29 were excluded because of a lack of follow-up data, leaving 68 patients for the final analysis (group M, n = 36; group C, n = 32). The demographic data, body mass index, sedation time, procedure time, and stented side data were similar between the two groups (P > .05). The rates of atropine and ephedrine use during the procedure were similar between the two groups (P > .05). The numerical rating scale scores were significantly lower for group M at all follow-up periods (P < .001). The total tramadol consumption at 24 hours postoperatively was 191.94 ± 68.194 mg for group M and 378.75 ± 31.367 mg for group C (P < .001). Additional analgesics were used by 8 patients (22.2%) in group M and 17 patients (53.1%) in group C. Additional analgesic needs were significantly lower for group M (P = .008). Nausea and vomiting were observed in six (19.4%) and four (11.1%) patients in group M and eight (32%) and five (15.6%) patients in group C, respectively (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing iliac venous stenting, perioperative MS infusion was an effective and safe treatment option that reduced LBP severity, opioid consumption, and the need for additional analgesics in the acute postoperative period.

Robotic-assisted beating heart mitral valve surgery: Preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic mitral valve surgery is a challenging issue, particularly in patients who are not suitable for aortic cross-clamping. In this study, we aimed to determine the feasibility and benefits of robotic, beating heart mitral valve surgery. METHODS: From February 2019 to February 2022, 17 patients underwent robotic beating heart mitral valve surgery. Fourteen of the patients had previous cardiac surgery. The mean age was 58.1 ± 10.3. Dense periaortic adhesions, heavily calcified aorta, and low ejection fraction were retained as indications for beating heart surgery. RESULTS: Mitral valve replacement was performed in 14 patients. Mitral ring annuloplasty was performed in two patients with low ejection fraction (EF). A severe paravalvular leak was repaired in one patient. Additional tricuspid annuloplasties were performed in three patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass time were 185.6 ± 55 min. There were no cases of conversion to sternotomy or thoracotomy. No cerebrovascular event occurred in the follow-up. One patient died as a result of secondary hepatorenal syndrome and multiorgan failure. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic beating heart mitral valve surgery is a feasible and effective technique with favorable early and mid-term results, especially in patients who are not suitable for aortic cross-clamping, secondary to periaortic adhesions, severe aortic calcifications, and low ejection fraction.

Robotic repair of atrial septal defect with partial pulmonary venous return anomaly: Our 5 year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Partial pulmonary venous return anomalies (PPVRA) were not considered as a good candidate for robotic surgery in early time of robotic cardiac surgery. In this study, we present our experience in patients undergoing robotic atrial septal defect (ASD) and PPVRA surgery. METHODS: Between November 2014 and January 2020, data of 21 patients underwent robotic ASD with PPVRA was collected. Inclusion criterion was presence of right-sided PPVRA with ASD. All operations were performed robotically. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 26.7 ± 10.3 years. Seventeen patients (81%) had superior-caval ASD with supracardiac PPVRA and double-patch technique was used. Four patients had inferior-caval ASD with intracardiac PPVRA and single-patch technique was preferred. Cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were 92.8 ± 29.6 and 127.8 ± 38.1, respectively. There was no mortality. One patient had atrioventricular-block and required pacemaker. CONCLUSION: Robotic repair of ASD with PPVRA is feasible and effective method as an alternative to conventional surgery.

Effect of Stent Strut Interval on Neointima Formation After Venous Stenting in an Ovine Model.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of stent design on venous patency is not well studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stent material burden on endothelial coverage of stented venous segments, which may contribute to vessel healing and patency. METHODS: Segmented self expanding bare nitinol stents (18 × 50 mm) comprising 5 mm long attached metallic rings separated by 2, 5, or 8 mm gaps were implanted in the inferior vena cava (IVC) of 10 sheep. These stents were designed and manufactured for the purposes of this study. At six, 12, and 24 weeks after implantation the animals were euthanised and the stented vessels harvested for histomorphometric analysis. Three sections from the metallic part as well as the gaps between the struts were reviewed for quantification of endothelialisation after six, 12, and 24 weeks. The intimal thickness over and between the stent struts was measured. The endothelialisation score (graded from 1 for complete luminal endothelialisation to 5 for absence of endothelial cells) was determined. RESULTS: All stents were successfully deployed and all 10 sheep survived until the time of harvesting. Macroscopic inspection after 24 weeks showed only partial endothelialisation over stents with 2 mm and 5 mm skipped segments, whereas the stents with 8 mm skipped segments were totally incorporated into the vein wall. After 24 weeks, the mean (SD) neointimal thicknesses over stent struts with 2 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm skipped segments were 254.0 (51.6), 182.2 (98.1), and 194.6 (101.1) µm, respectively. Comparison of endothelialisation scores of stents over time showed statistically significantly better endothelialisation over stents with 8 mm gaps after 12 and 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: Stent designs providing structural support to veins with larger gaps between the scaffold material appear to lead to faster and more complete endothelialisation as well as a thinner intimal layer.

Changes in intraocular pressure during coronary artery bypass graft surgery: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the effects of pulsatile and non-pulsatile on-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG) and off-pump CABG techniques on the intraocular pressure were investigated. METHODS: Forty-five patients who planned to elective coronary artery bypass surgery with on-pump pulsatile (n=15), non-pulsatile (n=15), or off-pump (n=15) were included. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurements were performed on both eyes at nine time-points: 1) Before the operation, 2) After anesthesia induction, 3) 3 minutes after heparin administration Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) harvesting, 4) End of the first anastomosis, 5) End of LIMA anastomosis, 6) 3 minutes after protamine administration, 7) End of the operation, and 8) Second hour in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 9) Fifth hour in ICU. Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Central Venous Pressure (CVP) were also recorded at the same time points as IOP. RESULTS: In Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) groups (pulsatile or non-pulsatile CPB) with the beginning of CPB, there were significant decreases in IOP values when compared to baseline (p=0.012). This decrease was more prominent in the non-pulsatile group when compared to the pulsatile group (T4 IOP values: pulsatile, 9.7±2.6; non-pulsatile, 6.8±1.9; p=0.002; T5 IOP values: pulsatile, 9.5±1.9; non-pulsatile, 6.7±2.1; p=0.004). At the end of the surgery (T7), IOP values returned to the baseline and stayed stable at the remaining time-points. In-off pump group, IOP values significantly increased with a head-down position (T4 IOP values: off-pump surgery, 19.7±5.2; p=0.015). IOP values remained high until the normalization of head-down position (T6) and stayed stable through the rest of all remaining time-points. CONCLUSION: During cardiac surgery regardless of the technique (on-pump CABG, off-pump CABG), intraocular pressures remain in the normal ranges. It should be kept in mind that patients should be avoided from long and extreme Trendelenburg position, low CVP, and MAP levels during cardiac surgery to prevent eye-related complications.

National guidelines on the management of venous thromboembolism: Joint guideline of the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and Phlebology Society.

These evidence-based guidelines from the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and Phlebology Society intend to support clinicians in best decisions regarding the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The Editor was selected by the three national societies and was tasked with the recruitment of the recognized panel. All financial support was solely derived from the sponsoring societies without the direct involvement of industry or other external stakeholders. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians in terms of VTE. The panel agreed on 42 recommendations under 15 headings for the diagnosis, initial management, secondary prevention of VTE, and treatment of recurrent VTE events. Important recommendations included the use of ultrasonography, preference for home treatment over hospital treatment for uncomplicated VTE, preference for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over vitamin K antagonists for primary treatment of cancer and non-cancer-related VTE, extended or indefinite anticoagulation with DOACs in selected high-risk patients. Early catheter-directed thrombectomy was recommended in only young symptomatic patients with a diagnosis of fresh iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.

The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio as a new predictor for postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the predictive significance of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio for postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence in patients who were underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: Among 830 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass between January 2016 and February 2020, 137 patients with no prior arrhythmia history were included in this cross sectional study. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven (16.5%) patients developed atrial fibrillation in postoperative period. Patients who experienced postoperative atrial fibrillation were more likely to be older but displayed similar rates of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For prediction of postoperative atrial fibrillation development, diagnostic odds ratio (OR) and positive likelihood ratio of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio value (OR: 1.854; confidence interval [CI]: 1.598-2.142; P < .001) was higher than serum C-reactive protein and albumin levels. (OR: 1.159; CI: 1.115-1.201; P < .001; OR: 0.438; CI: 0.258-0.865; P < .001, respectively). Which means that C-reactive protein/albumin ratio may detect postoperative atrial fibrillation development better C-reactive protein itself. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, patients who developed postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting had significantly higher preoperative C-reactive protein/albumin ratio levels than patients who remained in normal sinus rhythm in the postoperative period. Also, higher C-reactive protein/albumin ratio value was one of the independent predictive factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation. Therefore, we concluded that evaluating preoperative C-reactive protein/albumin ratio value might provide early identification of patients with high risk for postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Complications and pitfalls of central venous port catheters: experience with 782 patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: The clinical use of port catheters has become widespread because they provide a safe and easy vascular route. Such widespread use of vascular port catheters has revealed early and late complications. AIM: This study was evaluated the early and late noninfectious complications and present precautions and pitfalls to handle these complications. METHODS: The retrospective observational study comprised 801 vascular port catheters inserted into 782 adult patients for various reasons between 2010 and 2018. Patient demographic, indications for port catheter implantation, port catheter types, and insertion sides were noted. Port catheter implantation related early and late complications were recorded. RESULTS: The subclavian vein was selected as a target vein in almost all of the interventions (98.9%). Similarly, right-sided veins were used in about 90% of patients. The most common problem was technical issues related to the interventions. If venous cannulation was challenging, ultrasonography and fluoroscopy guidance roadmap technique were used. Most serious complication was pneumothorax in 7 patients. In the late period, the most common problem was thrombotic occlusion of the catheter. In two-thirds of these patients, thrombolytic therapy for thrombosed port catheters may rescue some catheters and avoid secondary port catheter insertions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite these benefits, port catheters are associated with various complications. However, most of these complications can be effectively prevented by proper techniques and easily applied precautions.

Preoperative Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Prophylaxis Associated with Increased Heparin Resistance Frequency in On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are being used for preoperative management of critical coronary artery disease. However, preoperative UFH therapy may cause a reduction in antithrombin concentrations, leading to various degrees of heparin resistance (HR). The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of preoperative LMWH on HR during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Data were retrospectively reviewed from adult patients that underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Four hundred fifty-seven patients underwent CABG, and 139 of them, who had isolated on-pump CABG, were included in the study. The heparin sensitivity index was calculated if activated clotting time levels were discovered below 400 seconds. Values less than 1.3 were accepted as HR. RESULTS: Of 139 patients who underwent on-pump CABG, preoperative LMWH was administered in 59 patients (56.8%). Intraoperative HR occurred in 29 patients (20.9%). Patients who received preoperative LMWH had an increased risk of developing HR compared with patients who did not receive LMWH (odds ratio 4.8 and 95% confidence interval 1.7-13.5). CPB duration and aortic clamp duration were significantly longer in patients who developed intraoperative HR when compared to those in patients who did not develop HR. CONCLUSION: Preoperative treatment with LMWH may cause intraoperative HR. Corrective and preventive arrangements with close follow-up should be performed in this group of patients.

Effect of Iloprost, a Prostacyclin Analogue, on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury continues to be observed during open heart surgery. Various experimental models have been developed to overcome this injury and to increase postoperative prognosis. This study was conducted to assess the effect that iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue, can have on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. We evaluated tissue damage by measuring the levels of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, and nitric oxide (NO) in tissue and perfusates. In this study, 20 guinea pig hearts were prepared by using the modified Langendorff perfusion apparatus to form control (n = 10) and experimental study groups (n = 10). Following a preischemic period of perfusion and an ischemic period of 20 minutes, control hearts were perfused with Krebs­Henseleit solution. In the experimental group, iloprost (0.45 µg/kg per hour) was included in the perfusates for the last 10 minutes of the preischemic phase. Following cardiac stabilization, heart rate (pulse/min), contractility (mm), and aortic pressure (mmHg) values were recorded at the end of preischemia, postischemia, and reperfusion. Perfusate and tissue analyses for glutathione, MDA, and NO levels were made in each group at the end of experiments. Iloprost was found to have protective effects against myocardial ischemia by means of increased myocardial contractility, decreased tissue/perfusate glutathione levels and inhibited rise of tissue/perfusate MDA observed in the iloprost-treated experimental group. Future investigations on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury must evaluate iloprost-related mechanisms.