Apixaban for Secondary Stroke Prevention: Coexistant Cerebral Atherosclerosis May Increase Recurrent Strokes / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose Oral anticoagulants are needed in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for the prevention of recurrent stroke. However, the risk of major events or bleeding may be greater in stroke patients than in those without, because the presence of cerebral atherosclerosis or small vessel disease may increase these risks. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of apixaban-treated stroke patients with AF and assess whether these factors are associated with the outcome. @*Methods@#This was a sub-analysis of stroke patients with AF enrolled in a prospective, open-label, multicenter, post-marketing surveillance study in South Korea, who were treated with apixaban and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Clinical trial registration: NCT01885598). @*Results@#A total of 651 patients (mean age, 72.5±8.7 years) received apixaban for a mean duration of 82.7±37.4 weeks. Fifty-three bleeding events occurred in 39 patients (6.0%), and 10 (1.5%) experienced major bleeding. Seventeen patients (2.6%) had major events (stroke, n=15, 2.3%; all ischemic), systemic embolism (n=1, 0.2%), and death (n=3, 0.5%). MRI data showed no significant association between white matter ischemic changes and microbleeds, and major events or bleeding. Patients with cerebral atherosclerotic lesions had a higher rate of major events than those without (4.6% [n=10/219] vs. 1.7% [n=7/409], P=0.0357), which partly explains the increased prevalence of major outcomes in this group versus patients without stroke (0.7%, P=0.0002). @*Conclusions@#Apixaban is generally safe for patients with ischemic stroke. Increased primary outcomes in stroke patients may in part be attributed to the presence of cerebral atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting that further studies are needed to establish therapeutic strategies in this population.

Outcome Differences by Delirium Motor Subtype in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the outcomes of ischemic stroke patients according to delirium motor subtype.METHODS: This study included patients who were admitted to the stroke unit between August 2017 and March 2019 and met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for delirium. Patients were assessed twice weekly throughout their delirium episodes using the Korean version of the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale (K-DMSS) and the Korean version of the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (K-DRS-98). The clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of the patients were also assessed.RESULTS: A total of 943 stroke patients were included; the rate of incident delirium was 10.18%. Of the 95 delirium patients, 34 were classified as the hyperactive subtype, 30 as the mixed subtype, 25 as the hypoactive and six as no subtype. Among the subtype groups, the hypoactive subtype had the highest initial scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; 6.72±4.75, p=0.02) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; 3.96±1.24, p<0.01). Additionally, the mixed and hypoactive subtypes had longer durations (p<0.01) and more severe symptoms of delirium (p=0.03) than the other motor subtypes, and the hypoactive subtype group had a significantly longer hospital stay (36.88±27.71 days, p<0.01) than the other subtype groups. After adjusting for baseline covariates in a multiple linear regression analysis, these differences remained significant.CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that the motor subtype of delirium is associated with different characteristics and outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.

Retrospective screening for Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms in patients with cerebral infarctions as revealed using the revised 2016 World Health Organization diagnostic criteria

No abstract available.

Low Common Carotid Artery Systolic Occlusion Pressure and Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Are Associated with Development of Neurologic Intolerance during Proximal Protected Carotid Artery Stenting

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Neurologic intolerance (NI) is defined as the occurrence of neurological symptoms during carotid artery stenting (CAS). Because NI is inevitable problem, it may be helpful to anticipate its occurrence. So, we studied factors associated with NI during proximal protected CAS.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients underwent proximal protected CAS from August 2012 to January 2017.@*RESULTS@#We included total 123 patients (109 males, 72±8 years old). The total procedure time was 43±12 minutes, and mean occlusion time was 4.8±1.2 minutes. We divided CAS patients into 2 groups according to presence of NI; neurologic tolerance (NT; n=74, 60%) and NI (n=49, 40%) groups. After the univariate analysis, symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (p = 0.003), absence of anterior communicating artery (p = 0.015) and low common carotid artery occlusion pressure (CCAOP, p < 0.001) were associated with NI. After the multivariate analysis, NI was significantly associated with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (odds ratio [OR], 5.549; p = 0.014) and systolic CCAOP≤42 mmHg (OR, 6.461; p < 0.001). In NI group, 43 patients (88%) recovered right after the balloon deflation and 2 patients were normalized within 2 hours. However, 1 had major stroke and 3 had minor strokes in 4 patients with persistent NI ≥24 hours.@*CONCLUSIONS@#About 40% showed NI during the CAS. Most of them (88%, 43 of 49 patients) recovered after the balloon deflation, but stroke incidence was significantly higher in NI group. Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and systolic CCAOP ≤42 mmHg were significantly associated with the development of NI during proximal protected CAS.

Low Common Carotid Artery Systolic Occlusion Pressure and Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Are Associated with Development of Neurologic Intolerance during Proximal Protected Carotid Artery Stenting

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neurologic intolerance (NI) is defined as the occurrence of neurological symptoms during carotid artery stenting (CAS). Because NI is inevitable problem, it may be helpful to anticipate its occurrence. So, we studied factors associated with NI during proximal protected CAS. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients underwent proximal protected CAS from August 2012 to January 2017. RESULTS: We included total 123 patients (109 males, 72±8 years old). The total procedure time was 43±12 minutes, and mean occlusion time was 4.8±1.2 minutes. We divided CAS patients into 2 groups according to presence of NI; neurologic tolerance (NT; n=74, 60%) and NI (n=49, 40%) groups. After the univariate analysis, symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (p = 0.003), absence of anterior communicating artery (p = 0.015) and low common carotid artery occlusion pressure (CCAOP, p < 0.001) were associated with NI. After the multivariate analysis, NI was significantly associated with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (odds ratio [OR], 5.549; p = 0.014) and systolic CCAOP≤42 mmHg (OR, 6.461; p < 0.001). In NI group, 43 patients (88%) recovered right after the balloon deflation and 2 patients were normalized within 2 hours. However, 1 had major stroke and 3 had minor strokes in 4 patients with persistent NI ≥24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: About 40% showed NI during the CAS. Most of them (88%, 43 of 49 patients) recovered after the balloon deflation, but stroke incidence was significantly higher in NI group. Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and systolic CCAOP ≤42 mmHg were significantly associated with the development of NI during proximal protected CAS.

The Effect of Inter-Departmental Stroke Meetings on Rehabilitation in a Comprehensive Cerebrovascular Center

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the number one cause of adulthood disability in Korea. Rehabilitation after stroke can minimize functional disability, enhance recovery toward independence, and optimize community reintegration. The inter-departmental stroke meeting (IDSM) is a potential method to improve rehabilitation outcomes in patients with stroke. We aimed to analyze the effect of IDSM on rehabilitation after acute ischemic stroke management. METHODS: Medical records of 753 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the neurology department of our medical center between January and December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. In May 2014, weekly IDSMs were initiated. All physicians responsible for the patient's care reviewed patient treatment, methods of secondary prevention, and future rehabilitation plans. RESULTS: The transfer rate significantly increased after initiation of IDSM (phase 2, 3) and the length of stay (LOS) before transfer to the rehabilitation department decreased significantly from 9.68 ± 8.50 days to 5.75 ± 2.12 days. There was a reduction in the total LOS from 52 ± 28.57 days to 35 ± 27.21 days after IDSMs were introduced. In non-transferred patients also, the total LOS reduced significantly. The transfer rate increased significantly and the LOS before transfer to the rehabilitation department decreased significantly after implementation of IDSM in a subgroup of patients with moderate to severe stroke. CONCLUSION: The introduction of IDSM was significantly correlated with improvements in transfer rates and reduction of LOS in hospital. This finding shows that IDSMs are an important intervention to improve therapeutic progress and outcomes for patients with stroke.

Differences in Therapeutic Responses and Factors Affecting Post-Stroke Depression at a Later Stage According to Baseline Depression / 대한뇌졸중학회지

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The pathophysiology of post-stroke depression (PSD) is complex and may differ according to an individual’s mood immediately after stroke. Here, we compared the therapeutic response and clinical characteristics of PSD at a later stage between patients with and without depression immediately after stroke. METHODS: This study involved a post hoc analysis of data from EMOTION (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01278498), a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that examined the efficacy of escitalopram (10 mg/day) on PSD and other emotional disturbances among 478 patients with acute stroke. Participants were classified into the Baseline-Blue (patients with baseline depression at the time of randomization, defined per the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] ≥8) or the Baseline-Pink groups (patients without baseline depression). We compared the efficacy of escitalopram and predictors of 3-month PSD (MADRS ≥8) between these groups. RESULTS: There were 203 Baseline-Pink and 275 Baseline-Blue patients. The efficacy of escitalopram in reducing PSD risk was more pronounced in the Baseline-Pink than in the Baseline-Blue group (p for interaction=0.058). Several risk factors differentially affected PSD development based on the presence of baseline depression (p for interaction < 0.10). Cognitive dysfunction was an independent predictor of PSD in the Baseline-Blue, but not in the Baseline-Pink group, whereas the non-use of escitalopram and being female were more strongly associated with PSD in the Baseline-Pink group. CONCLUSIONS: Responses to escitalopram and predictors of PSD 3 months following stroke differed based on the presence of baseline depression. Our data suggest that PSD pathophysiology is heterogeneous; therefore, different therapeutic strategies may be needed to prevent PSD emergence following stroke.

Low- versus Standard-Dose Intravenous Alteplase in the Context of Bridging Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Korean ENCHANTED Study / 대한뇌졸중학회지

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Following the positive results from recent trials on endovascular therapy (EVT), bridging therapy (intravenous alteplase plus EVT) is increasingly being used for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. However, the optimal dose of intravenous alteplase remains unknown in centers where bridging therapy is actively performed. The optimal dose for eventual recanalization and positive clinical outcomes in patients receiving bridging therapy also remains unknown. METHODS: In this prospective Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED) sub-study, we explored the outcomes following treatment with two different doses (low- [0.6 mg/kg] or standard-dose [0.9 mg/kg]) of intravenous alteplase across 12 Korean centers where EVT is actively performed. The primary endpoint was a favorable outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale scores 0 to 1). Secondary endpoints included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in all patients, and the recanalization rate and favorable outcome in patients who underwent cerebral angiography for EVT (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01422616). RESULTS: Of 351 patients, the primary outcome occurred in 46% of patients in both the standard-(80/173) and low-dose (81/178) groups (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 1.81; P=0.582), although ICHs tended to occur more frequently in the standard-dose group (8% vs. 3%, P=0.056). Of the 67 patients who underwent cerebral angiography, there was no significant difference in favorable functional outcome between the standard- and low-dose groups (39% vs. 21%; OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 0.73 to 7.78; P=0.149). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in functional outcome between the patients receiving different doses of alteplase in centers actively performing bridging therapy.

What Did Happen during the Device Closure of the Patent Foramen Ovale?

No abstract available.

Impacts of Rapid Recanalization and Collateral Circulation on Clinical Outcome after Intraarterial Thrombolysis / 대한뇌졸중학회지

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rapid recanalization might improve clinical outcomes after intraarterial thrombolysis (IAT) for acute ischemic stroke patients with collateral circulation. We determined whether rapid recanalization and collateral circulation affect clinical outcomes after IAT. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiological data of 134 consecutive patients who underwent IAT for intracranial artery occlusion. The interval from symptom onset to recanalization after IAT (onset-to-recanalization time) as an estimate of the probability of good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-2) was calculated in patients with collateral circulation in the ischemic hemisphere, which was rated poor (0/1 American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology criteria) or good (2-4). Changes in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NHISS) score before and after IAT and modified Rankins scale scores 3 months after discharge were compared with respect to onset-to-recanalization time. RESULTS: In patients with good collateral circulation, the estimated onset-to-recanalization time for a 0.5 probability of a good clinical outcome was 347 minutes; with poor collateral circulation, it was 172 minutes for a 0.2 probability of good clinical outcome. Outcome analyses according to onset-to-recanalization time showed patients recanalized 6 hours of onset-to-recanalization time, and non-recanalization: 5.1, 6.9, 11.9, and 19.8, respectively) at discharge and higher percentages of good clinical outcome (69%, 66.7%, 21.9%, and 0%, respectively) 3 months after IAT. CONCLUSIONS: The time window to expect a high probability of a good clinical outcome after IAT is highly dependent on the collateral circulation.

A Comparison of Stent-Assisted Mechanical Thrombectomy and Conventional Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis for Acute Cerebral Infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We evaluated whether stent-assisted thrombectomy (SAT) is safer or more clinically beneficial than aggressive mechanical clot disruption (AMCD) for patients with acute intracranial artery occlusion. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 72 patients (33 with SAT and 39 with AMCD) who underwent intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute intracranial artery occlusions. Procedure parameters, clinical outcomes, and incidence of complications were compared between the SAT and AMCD groups. RESULTS: The time interval to recanalization was shorter in SAT patients (69.2+/-39.6 minutes, mean+/-standard deviation) than in AMCD patients (94.4+/-48.0 minutes, p<0.05). Recanalization was achieved in more SAT patients (91%) than AMCD patients (80%), but with no statistically significance. Urokinase was used less frequently in SAT patients (21%) than in AMCD patients (92%, p<0.05), and the incidence of symptomatic hemorrhages was lower in SAT patients (3%) than in AMCD patients (18%, p<0.05). Device-related complications in SAT patients comprised two cases of stent fracture and one case of distal migration of a captured thrombus. The proportion of patients with good outcomes, defined as scores from 0 to 3 on the modified Rankin Scale, was similar in the two groups at discharge (SAT, 46%; AMCD, 39%), but significantly higher in the SAT group than in the AMCD group at 3 months (64% vs. 40%, p<0.05) and 6 months (67% vs. 42%, p<0.05) after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes and clinical parameters were better for SAT during thrombolytic procedures for acute intracranial artery occlusions than for AMCD for up to 6 months. However, some device-related complications occurred during stent interventions.

Relationships between Endogenous Estrogen and the Risk Factors for Vascular Disease / 대한뇌졸중학회지

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the relationships between endogenous estrogen levels and vascular risk factors in healthy men and women. METHODS: Demographics and laboratory data were collected from normotensive subjects (123 men and 154 women) in their thirties, forties and fifties who had normal laboratory profiles and no cardiovascular risk factors. Initially, estradiol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), NO2/NO3, homocysteine, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Then, the relationships between estradiol and the evaluated items were analyzed with comparison of means and correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis based on genders and age-groups. RESULTS: Estradiol levels decreased with aging in women. Lower LDL and triglyceride, higher HDL levels, and lower SBP and DBP observed in women were correlated with decreasing age as well as increasing estradiol level. On the multivariate analysis, however, estradiol levels were negatively correlated with the changes in SBP, DBP, and triglyceride among the lipid variables. BMI was positively related with the increase of SBP and DBP and the estradiol levels. Although higher NO2/NO3 and lower homocysteine levels were observed in women than men, the NO2/NO3 and homocysteine levels had no significant correlation with estradiol changes. CONCLUSION: The study observed the beneficial relationships between endogenous estrogen, and blood pressures and lipids in healthy women. The estrogen-related benefits observed in this study were lower TG levels, SBP, and DBP in young women than those in older women or in men.

Myocardial Protective Effect of Tezosentan, an Endothelin Receptor Antagonist, for Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Experimental Heart Failure Models

The myocardial protective effects of endothelin antagonist in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP), doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DOX) and pressure-overload hypertrophy by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) models have been predicted to be different. The objective of this experiment, therefore, is to evaluate the myocardial protective effect of tezosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, in various experimental heart failure models. Sprague-Dawley rats (6-8 weeks old, 200-300 g) were randomized to three experimental groups (n=30 each): ICMP; DOX; and TAC group. Each of these groups was randomly assigned further to the following subgroups (n=10 each): sham-operated ischemia-reperfusion subgroup (SHAM); tezosentan treated ischemia-reperfusion subgroup (Tezo); and tezosentan non-treated ischemia-reperfusion subgroup (N-Tezo). Total circulatory arrest was induced for 1 hr, followed by 2 hr of reperfusion. The left ventricular developed pressure, peak positive and negative first derivatives, and coronary blood flow were significantly different (P<0.05) among the SHAM, Tezo, and N-Tezo subgroups of the ICMP group at 30 min of reperfusion, but there were no statistically significant differences among the subgroups of the DOX and TAC groups. In conclusion, tezosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, showed myocardial protection effects only on the ischemic cardiomyopathy rat model, but not in the non-ischemic heart failure rat models.

Technical Feasibility and Early Clinical Outcomes Associated With Distal Filter Device Use for All Carotid Stenting Procedures

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Distal filter devices (DFDs) are known to reduce the occurrence of embolic events by capturing embolic debris and thereby preventing intracranial embolization during carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, there are few reports addressing DFD use in CAS procedures. Therefore, we evaluated the technical feasibility and clinical outcomes associated with DFD use in all CAS procedures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between June 2004 and June 2008, all CAS procedures performed at our center were completed with DFD protection. We recorded periprocedural data and watched for new neurologic abnormalities for 24 hours after the procedure. One-month clinical outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 100 carotid lesions in 94 patients (age 68+/-8 years; 79 men) were treated with percutaneous stenting using DFDs (FilterWire EZ(TM), Boston Scientific Co, US). DFD application was successful in all procedures. Periprocedural strokes occurred in five procedures (one major, one minor, and three transient ischemic attacks). The one-month rates of stroke and death were 6% and 2%, respectively. Difficult filter placement occurred in two procedures due to tight stenosis and severe common carotid artery (CCA)-to-internal carotid artery (ICA) angulation. Difficult stent delivery occurred in three instances: one due to severe lesion calcification and two due to proximal tortuosity. The retriever failed to acquire the filter in nine procedures. Four of nine retrieval difficulties were related to severe CCA-ICA angulation. CONCLUSION: DFD use was successful in all CAS procedures, was relatively safe, and had few periprocedural complications.

Association Between Carotid Artery Stiffness and Headache Following Cilostazol Use in Cerebral Infarction Patients

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol leads to inhibition of platelet aggregation and to vasodilatation. It is widely used for the secondary prevention of cerebral infarction. However, headache is a well-known adverse effect of cilostazol, and these headaches may be caused by the vasodilation of the cerebral artery. The goal of our study was to assess the frequency and severity of headaches following cilostazol treatment and to evaluate factors related to the development of these headaches. METHODS: Seventy patients with cerebral infarction were included in this study. We measured the carotid intima media thickness (IMT), the distensibility of the carotid artery (CAD), the brachial ankle index (ABI), and the brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) in order to quantify the degree of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness. Patients were then given 100 mg of cilostazol in tablet form twice daily. For three days, we evaluated headache incidence and severity using a verbal rating scale (0-10). RESULTS: Twenty three (32.9%) patients reported headache during cilostazol medication and 7 patients had severe headache. Women were more likely to develop headaches than men (p=0.03). In addition, the mean IMT was lower in subjects with cilostazol-induced headache than in the headache-free subjects (0.8+/-0.1 vs 1.01+/-0.2 mm, p=0.001), while CAD was higher in these subjects (0.3+/-0.1 vs 0.25+/-0.1, p=0.03). There was no difference in PWV and ABI. CONCLUSIONS: Lower carotid IMT, increased CAD, and female gender may be associated with the development of cilostazol-induced headache in patients with cerebral inafarction, but not the systemic arterial stiffness.

Intracranial Hemodynamic Changes During Adult Moyamoya Disease Progression

Background and purpose: This study evaluated the changes in blood flow velocity in the anterior and posterior intracranial circulations according to the progression of moyamoya disease in adult patients. Methods: We evaluated Suzuki's angiographic stage and mean blood flow velocity (MBFV) changes in intracranial vessels from both sides in 19 adult moyamoya patients. We then analyzed the linearity of MBFV changes from early to late moyamoya stages in each intracranial vessel using piecewise linear regression models. Results: The MBFV in the middle cerebral artery, terminal internal carotid artery, and anterior cerebral artery increased non linearly until stage III, and then decreased progressively up to stage VI. The ophthalmic artery also showed nonlinear velocity changes, with an increase in MBFV up to stage IV, followed by a decrease in MBFV up to stage VI. The MBFV of the basilar artery increased linearly from a normal velocity at an early moyamoya stage to a stenotic velocity at a late stage. There was no statistically significant regression model for the relationship between the MBFV in the posterior cerebral artery and moyamoya stage. Conclusions: The nonlinear and/or linear MBFV changes associated with variable intracranial vessels might be useful in initial and follow-up evaluations of different stages of moyamoya disease.

Successful Low Molecular Weight Heparin Treatment for the Global Alteration of Cortical Venous Drainage Developed after Intracranial Operation

Intracranial venous infarction and drainage alteration are rare clinical events developing after intracranial operation. Immediate anticoagulation has been recommended to restore the alteration of the intracranial venous drainage. However, for the venous drainage alteration or infarction developed just after intracranial operation, the bleeding tendency induced by the anticoagulation should be considered. We report a case of successfully managed cortical venous infarctions developed immediately after intracranial operation using low molecular weight heparin.

A Case of Isolated Cerebellar Nodulus Infarction with Periodic Alternating Nystagmus and Unilateral Vestibulopathy

We report a patient with an isolated cerebellar nodulus infarction who presented with periodic alternating nystagmus (PAN), perverted head-shaking nystagmus (pHSN), and loss of tilt suppression of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). Several days after the initial symptoms resolved, the patient also presented with purely vestibular syndrome with vertigo, spontaneous horizontal nystagmus without the usual signs of cerebellar dysfunction. The chain of those symptoms were ascribed to ischemia of the cerebellar nodulus.

Changes in N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide Concentration: Comparative Study of Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

The goal of this study was to compare the effects of different reperfusion methods on N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) patients. Fifty subjects were enrolled in the study, 32 patients received PTCA and 18 OPCAB. An NT-proBNP measurement was performed before intervention and at 1, 3, and 7 days after the procedures. NT-proBNP levels were not significantly different before intervention (PTCA group 297+/-147.3 vs. OPCAB group 235+/-167.8 pg/mL, p>0.05). However, 1 day after the procedures, NT-proBNP levels were higher in the OPCAB group (PTCA 375+/-256.4 vs. OPCAB 1,415+/-737.6 pg/mL, p0.05). PTCA induced a mild and transient increase in NT-proBNP concentration, but OPCAB caused sustained high NT-proBNP levels during the 7 day postoperatively. However, differences between NT-proBNP levels associated with these two modalities showed a tendency to decrease rapidly postoperatively.

Modified Acellularization for Successful Vascular Xenotransplantation

The purpose of this study was to estimate the possibilities of an acellular matrix using a modified acellularization protocol, which circumvents immunological, microbiological, and physiological barriers. We treated porcine subclavian arteries with various reagents to construct acellular grafts. Afterwards, these grafts were interposed in a mongrel dogs' abdominal aorta. Six dogs underwent interposition with fresh porcine grafts (control group), and seven had interposed acellular grafts (acellular group). The control and acellular group dogs were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5 (n=2 in each group) and 12 months (n=1 in acellular group) after the operation. Histopathological examinations were then performed, to assess the degree to which re-endothelialization, inflammation, thrombus formation, and calcification occurred. The entire acellular group, but none of the control group, exhibited re-endothelialization. The degrees to which inflammation, thrombosis, and calcification occurred were found to be lower in the acellular group. We also discovered many smooth muscle cells in the medial layer of the xenograft that had been implanted in the dog sacrificed 12 months after the operation. These results suggest that the construction of xenografts using our modified acellularization protocol may offer acceptable outcomes as a vascular xenograft.