The Promise of Cilnidipine in Hypertension with Comorbidities: National Consensus Statement: National Consensus Group Comprises Cardiologists, Nephrologists, and Diabetologists from India in a National Meet at New Delhi held on 22nd May 2022.

The rapidly increasing burden of hypertension is responsible for premature deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD), renal disease, and stroke, with a tremendous public health and financial burden. Hypertension detection, treatment, and control vary worldwide; it is still low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). High blood pressure (BP) and CVD risk have a strong, linear, and independent association. They contribute to alarming numbers of all-cause and CVD deaths. A major culprit for increased hypertension is sympathetic activity, and further complications of hypertension are heart failure, ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and renal failure. Now, antihypertensive interventions have emerged as a global public health priority to reduce BP-related morbidity and mortality. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are highly effective vasodilators. and the most common drugs used for managing hypertension and CVD. Cilnidipine, with both L- and N-type calcium channel blocking activity, is a promising 4th generation CCB. It causes vasodilation via L-type calcium channel blockade and inhibits the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) via N-type calcium channel blockade. Cilnidipine, which acts as a dual L/N-type CCB, is linked to a reduced occurrence of pedal edema compared to amlodipine, which solely blocks L-type calcium channels. The antihypertensive properties of cilnidipine are very substantial, with low BP variability and long-acting properties. It is beneficial for hypertensive patients to deal with morning hypertension and for patients with abnormal nocturnal BP due to exaggerated sympathetic nerve activation. Besides its BP-lowering effect, it also exhibits organ protection via sympathetic nerve inhibition and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition; it controls heart rate and proteinuria. Reno-protective, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects of cilnidipine have been well-documented and demonstrated.

Role of Iron Therapy in Heart Failure: A Consensus Statement from India.

Iron deficiency (ID) with or without anemia is frequently observed in patients with heart failure (HF). Uncorrected ID is associated with higher hospitalization and mortality in patients with acute HF (AHF) and chronic HF (CHF). Hence, in addition to chronic renal insufficiency, anemia, and diabetes, ID appears as a novel comorbidity and a treatment target of CHF. Intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) reduces the hospitalization risk due to HF worsening and improves functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) in HF patients. The current consensus document provides criteria, an expert opinion on the diagnosis of ID in HF, patient profiles for IV FCM, and correct administration and monitoring of such patients.

Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor Therapy and Cardiac Remodeling in Heart Failure: Consensus Statement from India.

Adverse cardiac remodeling refers to progressive structural and functional modifications in the heart because of increased wall stress in the myocardium, loss of viable myocardium, and neurohormonal stimulation. The guideline-directed medical therapy for Heart failure (HF) includes Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) (sacubitril/valsartan), ß-blockers, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). ARNI is under-prescribed in India despite its attractive safety and efficacy profile. Therefore, the consensus discusses objectives and topics related to ARNI in the management of cardiac remodeling, and experts shared their views on the early timely intervention of effective dosage of ARNI to improve the diagnosis and enhance mortality and morbidity benefits in cardiac reverse remodeling (CRR).

Role of omega-3 ethyl ester concentrate in reducing sudden cardiac death following myocardial infarction and in management of hypertriglyceridemia: an Indian consensus statement.

INTRODUCTION: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most lethal manifestation of heart disease. In an Indian study the SCDs contribute about 10% of the total mortality and SCD post ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) constitutes for about half of total deaths. OBJECTIVE: Given the limitations of existing therapy there is a need for an effective, easy to use, broadly applicable and affordable intervention to prevent SCD post MI. Leading cardiologists from all over India came together to discuss the potential role of n-3 acid ethyl esters (90%) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 460 mg & docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 380 mg in the management of post MI patients and those with hypertriglyceridemia. RECOMMENDATIONS: Highly purified & concentrated omega-3 ethyl esters (90%) of EPA (460 mg) & DHA (380 mg) has clinically proven benefits in improving post MI outcomes (significant 15% risk reduction for all-cause mortality, 20% risk reduction for CVD and 45% risk reduction in SCD in GISSI-Prevenzione trial) and in reducing hypertriglyceridemia, and hence, represent an interesting option adding to the treatment armamentarium in the secondary prevention after MI based on its anti-arrhythmogenic effects and also in reducing hypertriglyceridemia.

Enhanced external counterpulsation and CVD protection: 3D echo validation: a promising approach.

UNLABELLED: AIMS & OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on various echo variables by 3D-Echocardiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 adult patients from indoor and outdoor patient department; consisting of 16 patients with heart failure (HF) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, 20 patients with heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF), 4 patients with prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), 3 patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 17 patients with syndrome X; were subjected to Echocardiographic evaluation. The various echo variables included were left ventricular myocardial performance index (LVMPI), left ventricular mass index (LVMi), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), left ventricular systolic function (LVEF) and left atrial volume index (LAVi). Once randomized, patients underwent 35 hrs EECP treatment sessions, each lasting 1 hour, could be given once or twice per day. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the overall prolonged mean LVMPI from baseline (0.54 +/- 0.2) to post ECP treatment (0.43 +/- 0.1) in the total study population (p < 0.001). EECP treatment significantly reduced baseline grade II or grade III diastolic dysfunction and E/E' ratio > 12, but not in patients with baseline E/E' < 12, baseline normal diastolic function or grade I diastolic dysfunction. Similiarly the mean LVEF in the subset of patients with HF treatment was 30.7 +/- 3.1; post ECP the mean LVEF was increased to 36.9 +/- 3.2 which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In the remaining patients, who had mean LVEF within normal range, there was no significant difference pre and post EECP (p value- NS). Pre EECP the mean LAVi in the total population was increased up to 33.4 +/- 5.6 ml/m2. Post EECP the mean LAVi reduced to 24.8 +/- 4.2 ml/m2, which was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding mean LVMi as well as in the patterns of LVH, there were no significant changes seen as compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Enhanced External counterpulsation is noninvasive, non-surgical method of choice for CVD & heart failure protection. It is very useful in Single vessel or multivessel disease, heart failure, HFNEF, Post PCI or post CABG and syndrome X. It reduces LVMPI and improves global cardiac function, increases LVEF in patients with ejection fraction of less than 50%, reduces grade II or grade III diastolic dysfunction and E/E' ratio more than 12, decreases LAVi by 25.7%; thereby reducing adverse clinical events in CAD and heart failure.

Clinical outcomes of submassive pulmonary embolism thrombolysis-an Indian experience.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism is the most dangerous presentation of venous thromboembolic disease. The role of thrombolysis in massive pulmonary embolism has been studied extensively, but the same is not there for submassive pulmonary embolism. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of thrombolysis in acute submassive pulmonary embolism. This was a prospective, case-control, observational study. Patients presenting with acute submassive pulmonary embolism were divided into thrombolysis group and control group depending on whether they received thrombolysis plus anticoagulation or anticoagulation only, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. Forty-two patients were in the thrombolysis group, and 44 patients were in the control group. The mean ± SD age in the control and thrombolysis groups was 63.3 ± 14.7 and 56.4 ± 13.8 years, respectively. The two groups were well matched in sex distribution and associated comorbidities like COPD, active surgery, major trauma, and immobilization. On echocardiography, dilated RA/RV in pre-treatment vs. post-treatment was seen in 20 (45.5%) vs. 20 (45.5%) in the control group and 26 (61.9%) vs. 11 (26.2%) in the thrombolysis group. Similarly, RV systolic dysfunction in pre-treatment vs. post-treatment was seen in 24 (54.5%) vs. 21 (47.7%) in the control group and 22 (52.4%) vs. 8 (19.0%) in the thrombolysis group. Pulmonary artery pressure in pre-treatment vs. post-treatment was 64.4 ± 15.0 vs. 45.9 ± 9.9 mmHg in the control group and 68.3 ± 17.4 vs. 31.4 ± 6.9 mmHg in the thrombolysis group. In control vs. thrombolysis group, there were 5 vs. 1 death, 6 vs. 1 hemodynamic decompensation, and 6 vs. 1 patient needing mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Thrombolysis in submassive pulmonary embolism is associated with better right ventricular functions, lower pulmonary artery pressures, and comparable mortality rates.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19.

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

3D echocardiography: "The most powerful predictor of masked CVD in metabolic syndrome".

UNLABELLED: AIMS & OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) on various echo variables by 3D Echocardiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 patients of MetS from indoor and outdoor patient departments were subjected to Echocardiographic and Carotid Doppler evaluation. They were divided into three groups: Group A, Group B and Group C on the basis of age <40 yrs, 40-60 yrs and >60 yrs respectively. The echo variables included left ventricular myocardial performance index (LVMPI), left ventricular mass index (LVMi), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), systolic function (LVEF), left atrial volume index (LAVi) and composite common carotid intima media thickness (CCIMT). RESULTS: The mean LVMPI was abnormal in all the groups and showed an increasing trend with prolonged LVMPI (> 0.4) in 74% of the total population. Prolonged LVMPI in Group A, Group B and Group C were 12.1%, 52.7% and 35.1% respectively. There was also a strong correlation between LVMPI & LVDD (p-value < 0.0001). Only 9% had systolic dysfunction (LVEF < 50%), but 68% of patients had abnormal diastolic function, of which 53% had grade I LVDD, 12% had grade II LVDD and 3% had grade III diastolic dysfunction. None of our patients had grade IV diastolic dysfunction. The mean LA Vi was normal in all the groups, but LAVi increased with worsening LVDD. The mean LVMi indexed to Body Surface Area (BSA) was normal in all the groups, but showed a statistically significant increasing trend from Group A to Group C (p-value < 0.05). Statistically significant higher LVMi values were observed for males as compared to females (p-value < 0.0001). On analysis of patients having left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), 76% had concentric remodeling; only 11 % had concentric hypertrophy, but none had eccentric hypertrophy. Most of our patients in Group B & Group C had higher mean Composite CCIMT (0.73 +/- 0.33 & 0.84 +/- 0.42 respectively) which was statistically very significant (p-value < 0.001) CONCLUSION: Metabolic Syndrome is associated with masked cardiovascular disease (CVD) as evident by 3D Echo in this series of patients. LVMPI was an early indicator and the most robust marker of early LVDD. Impaired relaxation was highly prevalent; while LAVi was less robust predictor of LVDD in this series of patients. Concentric left ventricular remodeling was the most common pattern of LVH. Most of our series of patients had increased Composite CCIMT. Thus 3D Echocardiography has great potential and is very useful for early detection and timely therapeutic interventions in patients with subclinical CVD in MetS.

Low Framingham risk score despite high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in asymptomatic North-Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting data exists regarding relationship between the Framingham risk score (FRS) and presence of metabolic syndrome (MS). Strong influence of age on FRS may further modify this relationship as prevalence of MS at younger age increases in South-Asian countries including India. However, only limited information is available about the prevalence of MS and its relationship with FRS in such populations at present. METHODS: Clinical examination and biochemical investigations were performed in 1905 asymptomatic office executives who underwent routine health check-up at a tertiary care centre in India during the year 2005. Diagnosis of MS and FRS were based on the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. RESULTS: Mean age of the subjects was 45.2 +/- 10.3 years and 71.8% were males. MS was present in 47.5% (905 of 1905) subjects. Overall, 76.8% patients with MS had 10-year cardiovascular (CV) risk < 10%, 20.6% had 10-20% risk and only 2.7% had > 20% risk according to FRS. In the lowest age-quartile, 95.9% patients had 10-year risk < 10%, 4.1% patients had 10-20% risk and none had > 20% risk. In contrast, in the highest age-quartile, less than half of the patients had 10-year risk <10% and nearly half had 10-20% risk of CV events. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of MS is markedly high in young asymptomatic Indians, majority have low 10-year risk of CV events as estimated by FRS. These findings necessitate continued emphasis on detection of MS in these populations as reliance on FRS alone may result in underestimation of CV risk in them.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Indian patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Conventional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are known to influence short-term and long-term outcome following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). There has been recent increase in prevalence of CVRFs in general population in India. However no information is available regarding the prevalence of same in patients undergoing CABG. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study, one thousand consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG were included and data on major CVRFs was obtained in them. Mean age of the patients was 59.73 +/- 9.5 years and 884/1000 (88.4%) patients were males. 505/994 (50.8%) patients had BMI > or = 25.0 kg/m2 and 747/994 (75.2%) had BMI > or = 23.0 kg/m2. Diabetes mellitus was present in 475/1000 (47.5%) patients (46.5% men and 55.2% women), hypertension in 709/1000 (70.9% overall; 70.8% men and 71.6% women) and dyslipidemia in 781/913 patients (85.6% overall; 84.5% men and 93.9% women). 213/913 (23.3%) patients had LDL > or = 100mg/dl, 662/913 (72.5%) patients had low HDL and 338/913 (37.0%) patients had elevated triglycerides. 199/1000 (19.9%) patients (18.7% men and 29.3% women) had family history of premature CAD and 545/1000 (54.5%) patients (53.4% men and 62.9% women) had at least one family member having CAD (irrespective of the age of onset). 94/1000 (9.4%) patients (10.4% men and 1.7% women) were current smokers and another 302/1000 (30.2% overall; 33.7% men and 3.4% women) had history of smoking in the preceding one year. 876/913 (95.9%) of all the patients had at least one of the five major CVRFs and only 37/ 913 (4.1%) patients (4.1% men and 4.3% women) were free of all these risk factors. Sixty-one of the 1000 patients (6.1%) were younger than 45.0 years of age. As compared to older patients, dyslipidemia, family history of premature CAD and smoking were commoner in patients less than 45 years of age. In contrast, diabetes and hypertension were more prevalent in the older individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed high prevalence of most of the conventional CVRFs, esp. diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia in Indian population undergoing CABG.

Utility of three-dimensional echocardiography during balloon mitral valvuloplasty.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the role of three-dimensional echocardiography in assessing mitral valve anatomy in greater detail in patients immediately before and after balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV). BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional echocardiography is a recently developed, evolving imaging technique that allows visualization of intracardiac structures from any perspective. METHODS: We studied 19 patients undergoing BMV using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) (Chicago, Illinois) to image the mitral valve. The TEE was interfaced to a TomTec three-dimensional workstation that allows electrocardiographic and respiratory cycle gated image acquisition. The acquired images are digitized, and after postprocessing a three-dimensional image is reconstructed. The mitral valve was viewed "en-face" as if looking up from the left ventricle. RESULTS: The mean mitral valve area (by pressure half-time from the Doppler of the two-dimensional echocardiogram) increased after BMV from 0.86+/-0.06 cm2 to 2.07+/-0.10 cm2, p < 0.0001. This was similar to the mitral valve areas obtained by planimetry from the three-dimensional images. The three-dimensional reconstructions showed a complete commissural split in 10 patients and partial splitting in 9 patients. In three of the eight patients who had an increase in the amount of mitral regurgitation secondary to BMV, the three-dimensional reconstructions were able to detect tears within the valve leaflet. One leaflet tear actually extended up to the mitral valve annulus and was associated with the only case of severe mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: The three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstruction enabled visualization of the mitral valve so that commissural splitting and leaflet tears not seen on the two-dimensional echocardiogram became visible.

Reduced neurological injury during CABG in patients with mobile aortic atheromas: a five-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Mobile atheromas of the thoracic aorta have been identified as a major cause of stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This prospective study was undertaken to identify mobile atheromas and to determine the incidence of immediate postoperative embolic events after suitable surgical modifications. Late clinical events attributable to embolization were also studied. METHODS: Between January 1993 and July 1997, 3,660 patients scheduled for CABG underwent intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography to identify aortic atheromatous disease. The disease was graded as follows: grade I, plaques extending less than 5 mm into the aortic lumen; grade II, plaques extending more than 5 mm into the aortic lumen; and grade III, plaques with a mobile element. Only patients with grade III atheromas were included in the study. Various surgical modifications were done depending on the location of the lesion, eg, aortic arch atherectomy, CABG combined with transmyocardial laser revascularization, off-pump CABG by median sternotomy, and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass. Measured outcomes were death, stroke, and other vascular events, both early (within 1 week) and late (1 to 5 years) after operation. RESULTS: Of the 3,660 patients, 104 (2.84%) had mobile atheromas. The perioperative stroke rate was 0.96%, and the incidence of other vascular events was 1.92% at 1 week. There was no embolic event in the group of 88 patients who underwent off-pump CABG. Of the study group, 98.07% are in regular follow-up. At 5 years, 1 patient had had a nonfatal stroke, and 2 patients had died of causes unrelated to atheromatous disease. CONCLUSIONS: The stroke rate was very low in patients with mobile aortic atheromas who underwent CABG after modification in surgical technique, especially off-pump CABG. A follow-up of 5 years showed that patients with mobile atheromas have a very low incidence of spontaneous embolization.

Surgical strategies in patients at high risk for stroke undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative stroke represents one of the major complications following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The present study was designed to evaluate the use of an individualized surgical approach for reducing neurological injury in patients undergoing CABG at high risk of stroke from aortic atherosclerosis or carotid disease. METHODS: Between January 1993 and June 1999, 6,138 patients undergoing elective CABG were evaluated by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Patients were screened preoperatively for internal carotid artery disease. Based on the intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography findings the surgical technique was individualized: hypothermic circulatory arrest with aortic atherectomy, CABG combined with transmyocardial laser revascularization on the beating heart, off-pump CABG by midsternotomy, ministernotomy, minimally invasive direct CABG, hybrid procedure, and so on. Patients were divided into four groups: a low-risk group (no significant aortic or carotid disease); an aortic atheromatous disease group (A.ATH); a carotid disease group (CD); and a carotid disease combined with aortic atheromatous disease group (CD + A.ATH). RESULTS: The incidence of stroke in the low-risk group (n = 5,043) was 0.92% compared with 0.96% in the A.ATH group (n = 918). In the CD group (n = 166) the incidence of stroke was 0.6% whereas it was 0% in the CD + A.ATH group (n = 11). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative and intraoperative screening can detect extensive atherosclerosis of the proximal aorta and internal carotid artery. Selective use of surgical techniques in this group of high-risk patients can prevent adverse neurologic sequelae while achieving complete myocardial revascularization.

Mammary-coronary artery anastomosis without cardiopulmonary bypass through a minithoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting has been based on cardiopulmonary bypass, myocardial protection, and the median sternotomy. The recent concept of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting in selected patients has dramatically affected surgical management of coronary artery disease. Coronary artery bypass grafting of anterior coronary arteries with in situ internal mammary artery through a limited anterior thoracotomy is a procedure that is gaining acceptance. METHODS: Fifty-one patients were operated on by minithoracotomy and direct coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass. Left internal mammary artery-to-left anterior descending coronary artery anastomosis was done in 50 patients, and in 1 patient, left internal mammary artery-to-left anterior descending artery and right internal mammary artery-to-right coronary artery anastomoses were constructed through bilateral minithoracotomies. Left anterior minithoracotomy through the fourth intercostal space and right anterior minithoracotomy through the fifth intercostal space were used for left internal mammary artery and right internal mammary artery dissection, respectively. With this approach, a 4- to 6-cm length of mammary artery was easily dissected. Mammary-to-coronary anastomosis was performed on a beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass through window pericardiotomy. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were extubated in the operating room and 26 in the intensive care unit 4 to 6 hours after operation. None of these patients required blood transfusion or inotropic support. Postoperative predischarge angiography in 42 patients revealed adequate mammary-to-coronary flow in 40 patients. Doppler flow studies were also in accordance with angiographic findings. Forty-five patients are in our regular follow-up (mean follow-up, 6.23 +/- 1.34 months); 44 of them are in functional class I. CONCLUSION: In our experience minithoracotomy is a safe, simple, and minimally invasive procedure. Favorable cost/benefit ratio has been achieved owing to no early or late mortality and minimal early morbidity. Postoperative angiography and Doppler flow study revealed excellent predictive long-term results.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery through right anterolateral minithoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the feasibility of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. The aim of the study was to minimize surgical access to achieve better cosmetic results, less postoperative discomfort, and faster recovery. METHODS: From September 1997 to October 1998, 76 patients underwent mitral valve surgery through a right anterolateral minithoracotomy at the fourth intercostal space. The mitral valve was either repaired (n = 21) or replaced (n = 55). In all cases, open femoral artery-femoral vein cannulation was used for cardiopulmonary bypass. In 27 cases, an endoluminal aortic clamp was used, but in 49 cases, the aorta was cross-clamped with a transthoracic, sliding-rod-design clamp. RESULTS: There were no approach-related limitations to surgical intervention. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed excellent results after valve repair and no paravalvular leak in any patient after mitral valve replacement. Mean duration of intensive care and postoperative hospital stay was 32+/-5.2 hours and 7+/-1.1 days, respectively. There were no major complications related to femoral vessel cannulation. In 1 patient, transient neurological problems developed, with subsequent complete recovery. There was one hospital mortality (85-year-old male patient died of upper GI bleeding). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive port access mitral valve surgery can accelerate recovery and decrease pain, while maintaining overall surgical efficacy. It also provides better cosmetic results to our patients, and now it has become our standard approach for isolated mitral valve surgery.

Further reduction in stroke after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative stroke is a devastating complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The reported incidence of neurologic complications after conventional CABG is 3% to 7%. With improved monitoring and surgical techniques, we have been able to achieve a drastic reduction in the stroke rate in our institution. This study evaluates the incidence of neurologic sequelae in patients who underwent off-pump CABG. METHODS: Over a 10-year period from January 1990 to September 2000, off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) operation was performed on 2,800 patients of the 18,037 patients undergoing CABG during that time frame at the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre. Initially, OPCAB was performed selectively in the high-risk group of patients (atheromatous aorta, renal impairment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, octogenarians, etc). Lately we performed multivessel OPCABs electively in about 60% to 65% of the patients undergoing CABG. Results. Mean age of the patients was 58.0 +/- 9.91 years (range 27 to 85 years) and mean number of grafts was 2.9 per patient. Neurologic complications (stroke/transient ischemic attack) occurred in 0.14% of patients. Overall hospital mortality in OPCAB patients was 2.14%, whereas mortality from neurologic complications was 0.07%. Predicted mortality (National Society of Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Risk Model for CABG) for the entire patient group was 3.86% (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Although current techniques of monitoring and surgical procedures have significantly reduced the risk of stroke from CABG, our data strongly support OPCAB as a technique to further reduce stroke after CABG, especially in the high-risk group of patients.

Spontaneous primary coronary artery dissection leading to pseudoaneurysm.

We report an interesting case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection leading to formation of a pseudoaneurysm in a asymptomatic patient detected on the coronary angiography and confirmed on surgery.

Papillary fibroelastoma of the mitral valve associated with rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Papillary fibroelastoma of the mitral valve diagnosed and treated in life is extremely rare. There have been eight cases documented so far. We report the first case of a mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma associated with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis and tricuspid regurgitation with stenosis. The tumor arose from the posteromedial papillary muscle of the mitral valve. The mitral valve was replaced after excising the valve with the tumor and the tricuspid valve was repaired. The patient did well and remains asymptomatic.

Multiplane transesophageal echocardiography: our initial experience.

We present our experience in the diagnostic assessment of a wide spectrum of cardiovascular disorders using multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (MP-TEE). Two hundred and seventeen patients in the age range of 11-71 years were subjected to MP-TEE from January to November 1993. The male:female ratio was 1.1:1. One hundred and ten patients had predominantly mitral valve disease of rheumatic origin, eleven had mitral valve prolapse, twenty patients had aortic valve disease and thirty seven patients had more than one valve involvement. Six patients with suspected prosthetic heart valve dysfunction and ten patients of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were also studied. Two patients had unexplained pulmonary hypertension, three had pericardial disease and three had proximal aortic dissections. Twenty six patients with congenital heart disease were studied of which nineteen had atrial septal defects, one had corrected transposition of great vessels with pulmonic stenosis and one adult had Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve. In our experience, MP-TEE enhances the versatility of TEE by providing incremental diagnostic information and enhancing delineation of pathology. The procedure was well-tolerated and no complications occurred.