Impact of Single versus Double Clamp Technique on Blood Lactate Levels and Postoperative Complications in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Abstract Introduction: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with hyperlactatemia, which leads to adverse clinical outcomes. No study has examined the effect of different clamping techniques on postoperative hyperlactatemia (PHL). Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of two different techniques on PHL and the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included 100 patients who underwent isolated CPB either with single clamp technique (SCT, n=47) or double clamp technique (DCT, n=53). Demographic and preoperative laboratory data, as well as operative features and arterial blood lactate levels at the onset and at the end of CPB, were collected from patient charts. Results: Blood lactate levels collected at the end of CPB did not differ significantly between groups whereas intraoperative lactate increased significantly in both groups (P<0.005). PHL developed in 16 patients (32%). There was no meaningful difference in SCT and DCT in this regard. Left internal mammary artery was used more frequently in the DCT group than in the SCT group. While the cross-clamp time was significantly longer in the SCT group, there was no difference regarding CPB time. Among postoperative complications, only the incidence of stroke was significantly higher in the DCT group than in the SCT group (10.6% vs. 0%, P=0.020). CPB time, cross-clamp time and numbers of proximal saphenous graft and distal anastomosis showed a significant positive correlation with the postoperative lactate level. In the regression analysis, CPB time emerged as the only independent predictor of PHL (OR 1.04, CI 95% 1.01-1.07, P=0.011). Conclusion: There was no difference in postoperative blood lactate levels between SCT and DCT groups.

Coronary artery dissection in a patient with Buerger's Disease

Abstract Buerger's disease, vasculitis of small and medium-sized blood vessels, is a non-atherosclerotic and progressive occlusive condition which frequently involves the distal part of the limbs. The occlusion of coronary arteries in Buerger's disease is a rare condition; however, coronary artery dissection has not been reported previously. Therefore, this paper presents a 45-year-old man who developed coronary artery dissection associated with Buerger's disease. The patient was treated successfully with coronary artery bypass grafting with the left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending artery, and saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery.

Changing bulking agent may require change in injection volume for endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux

ABSTRACT Introduction: Various bulking agents were utilized for endoscopic correction of VUR. A study reviewing multi-institutional data showed that the amount of injection material has increased over time with the purpose of improving success rates, which also resulted in costs. We noticed an opposite trend in our center since we started using a new bulking agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate evolution of our practice with different bulking agents. Patients and Methods: Records of VUR patients who underwent subureteric injection with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextronomere hyaluronic acide (DxHA) between 2005 and 2014 were reviewed. Variation of different parameters throughout the study period was evaluated along with the success rate. Success was defined as complete resolution of reflux. Results: A total of 260 patients with 384 refluxing units were included. The success rate was higher in PPC group compared to DxHA group. There was no statistically significant difference between years regarding distribution of VUR grade, body weight, patient height, and age in PPC group. Despite significant reduction in injection volume, success rate did not decrease through the years with PPC. Conclusion: Different bulking agents may require different injection volumes to achieve the same success rate in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux. Habits gained with previous experience using other materials should be revised while using a new agent.

Effects of intraoperative diltiazem infusion on flow changes in arterial and venous grafts in coronary artery bypass graft surgery / Efeitos da infusão intraoperatória de diltiazem sobre as mudanças do fluxo em enxertos arteriais e venosos em cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to show the effects of intra-operative diltiazem infusion on flow in arterial and venous grafts in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Methods:Hundred fourty patients with a total of 361 grafts [205 (57%) arterial and 156 (43%) venous] underwent isolated coronary surgery. All the grafts were measured by intraoperative transit time flow meter intra-operatively. Group A (n=70) consisted of patients who received diltiazem infusion (dose of 2.5 microgram/kg/min), and Group B (n=70) didn't receive diltiazem infusion.Results:Mean graft flow values of left internal mammary artery were 53 ml/min in Group A and 40 ml/min in Group B (P<0.001). Pulsatility index (PI) values of left internal mammary artery for Group A and Group B were 2.6 and 3.0 respectively (P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between venous graft parameters.Conclusion:We recommend an effect of diltiazem infusion in increasing graft flows in coronary artery bypass graft operations.

ResumoObjetivo:Este estudo teve como objetivo mostrar os efeitos da infusão de diltiazem intraoperatória no fluxo arterial e enxertos venosos em cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio.Métodos:Cento e quarenta pacientes com um total de 361 enxertos [205 (57%) arteriais e 156 (43%) venosos] passaram por uma cirurgia coronária isolada. Todos os enxertos foram medidos pelo medidor de fluxo de tempo de trânsito intraoperatório. Grupo A (n=70), formado por pacientes que receberam infusão de diltiazem (dose de 2,5 micrograma/kg/min), e Grupo B (n=70), por aqueles que não receberam infusão de diltiazem.Resultados:Os valores médios de fluxo de enxerto de artéria mamária interna esquerda foram 53 ml/min no grupo A e 40 ml/min no Grupo B (P<0,001). Valores do índice de pulsatilidade da artéria mamária interna esquerda para o Grupo A e do Grupo B foram de 2,6 e 3,0, respectivamente (P<0,001). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os parâmetros do enxerto venoso.Conclusão:Sugerimos um efeito da infusão de diltiazem em aumentar os fluxos de enxerto em operações de bypass de artéria coronária.