Sulodexide Inhibits Arterial Contraction via the Endothelium-Dependent Nitric Oxide Pathway.

Background/Objectives: Sulodexide (SDX) is a drug known for restoring the glycocalyx, thereby offering endothelial protection and regulating permeability. Additionally, it has antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties and has shown arterial vasodilatory effects. Endothelial cells play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, with their dysfunction being a key contributor to loss in vasodilatory response, especially in arterial pathologies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SDX on stimulated vascular tonus in human arterial samples and to assess the function of the endothelial layer as a source of nitric oxide (NO). Methods: A total of 16 internal mammary artery remnants from coronary artery bypass graft surgeries were dissected into endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded groups (n = 8 each). The arterial rings were equilibrated under tension, with their basal tonus recorded before and after phenylephrine stimulation. SDX's impact on arterial contraction was assessed through cumulative dose-response curves. NO synthase inhibitor (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) was used to assess SDX's vasodilatory effect over the NO pathway. Results: SDX application resulted in concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded groups at certain doses. However, the inhibitory effect of SDX was more pronounced in endothelium-intact rings at higher doses compared to endothelium-denuded rings (p < 0.05). Similar inhibition of contraction curves was achieved for both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rings after L-NAME pre-incubation, suggesting a necessity for NO-related endothelial pathways. Conclusions: SDX exerts a concentration-dependent inhibition on arterial contraction, emphasizing the critical role of an intact endothelium and NO-mediated pathways in this process. This underscores SDX's potential in treating endothelial dysfunction-related pathologies.

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.

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.

Early- and mid-term results of cryoablation of atrial fibrillation concomitant with robotic mitral valve surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, which is also associated with mitral valve disease. Surgical ablation is still known to be an important procedure in restoring sinus rhythm (SR) concomitant with mitral valve surgery (MVS). In this study, we aimed to pres-ent our early- and mid-term result of AF cryoablation during robotic MVS. METHODS: Between November 2014 and January 2020, total 34 patients who underwent robotic MVS with concomitant AF ablation were ret-rospectively analyzed. Ten patients had a <1 year AF history, 14 had 1-5 years, and 10 had >5 years. The primary end point of the study was postoperative AF recurrence. RESULTS: Total 32 and 2 patients underwent mitral valve replacement and mitral valve repair, respectively. Mean aortic cross-clamp and cardio-pulmonary bypass times were 141.8±32.1 min and 196±25.6 min, respectively. The SR was restored with the removal of cross-clamp and cardiac junctional rhythm was observed in 29 (85.3%) and 5 (14.7%) patients, respectively. Two in-hospital deaths secondary to low cardiac output and hepatorenal failure were recorded. Among the rest, 24 (75%) patients were in SR, 6 (18.75%) in AF, and 2 (6.25%) in paced rhythm at discharge. CONCLUSION: Robotic cryoablation of AF during MVS is a feasible method with favorable early- and mid-term results.

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.

Comparison of postoperative outcomes between robotic mitral valve replacement and conventional mitral valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Robotic mitral valve surgery continues to become widespread all over the world in direct proportion to the developing technology. In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative results of robotic mitral valve replacement and conventional mitral valve replacement. METHODS: A total of consecutive 130 patients who underwent robotic mitral valve replacement and conventional mitral valve replacement with full sternotomy between 2014 and 2020 were included in our study. All patients were divided into two groups: Group I, with 64 patients who underwent robotic mitral valve replacement and Group II, with 66 patients with conventional full sternotomy. General demographic data (age, gender, body weights, etc.), comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral artery disease, hyperlipidemia, etc.), intraoperative variables (cardiopulmonary bypass times, and cross-clamp times), postoperative ventilation times, drainage amounts, transfusion amount, inotropic need, revision, arrhythmia, intensive care and hospital stay times, and mortality were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between demographic data, such as age, gender, body kit index, and preoperative comorbid factors of both patient groups (p > .05). Cardiopulmonary bypass time (204.12 ± 45.8 min) in Group I was significantly higher than Group II (98.23 ± 17.8 min) (p < .001). Cross-clamp time in Group I (143 ± 27.4 min) was significantly higher than Group II (69 ± 15.2 min) (p < .001). Drainage amount in Group I (290 ± 129 cc) was significantly lower than Group II (561 ± 136 cc) (p < .001). The erythrocyte suspension transfusion requirement was 0.4 ± 0.3 units in Group I; it was 0.9 ± 1.2 units in Group II, and this requirement was found to be significantly lower in Group I (p = .014). While the mean mechanical ventilation time was 5.3 ± 3.9 h in Group I, it was 9.6 ± 4.2 h in Group II. It was significantly lower in Group I (p = .001). Accordingly, intensive care stay (p = .006) and hospital stay (p = .003) were significantly lower in Group I. In the early postoperative period, three patients in Group I and four patients in Group II were revised due to bleeding. In the postoperative hospitalization period, neurological complications were observed in one patient in Group I and two patients in Group II. Two patients in Group I returned to the sternotomy due to surgical difficulties. Two patients died in both groups postoperatively, and there was no significant difference in mortality (p = .97). CONCLUSION: According to conventional methods, robotic mitral valve replacement is an effective and reliable method since total perfusion and cross-clamp times are longer, drainage amount and blood transfusion need are less, and ventilation time, intensive care, and hospital stay time are shorter.

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.

Anesthesia management for robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. Single center experince.

AIM: The aim of this study was to present our experiences for anesthesia management in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in light of current literature data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This clinical retrospective study included 103 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. All patient data were obtained from the patient files and anesthesia follow-up forms. Demographic datas, intraoperative fluids, blood products requirement and blood gas parameters were recorded. RESULTS: A total 15 of 103 patients data were lack, the remaining 88 patients were evaluated. Combination of crystalloid and colloid was used for intravenous fluid management. About 11% of patients required transfusion during surgery. The mean pH and pO2 values of the patients were observed to decrease whereas pCO2 and lactate values increased. DISCUSSION: Radical Prostatectomy can be performed either using open technique as a traditional approach or laparoscopic or robot-assisted technique as a minimally invasive approach. Today, minimally invasive approaches have replaced traditional open prostatectomy. Anaesthesia management of these minimally invasive techniques is very different and challenging from open technique in many aspects. CONCLUSION: Although minimally invasive techniques have good surgical outcomes such as less blood loss, smaller surgical incision, and shorter hospitalization, these techniques bring new problems that anesthesiologists have to deal with. Increased RARP operations has led to the anesthesiologists more likely to encounter perioperative problems. KEY WORDS: Anesthesia, Minimally invasive techniques, Radical prostatectomy.

Perioperative anesthetic management in a patient with factor XI deficiency undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Spontaneous bleeding is rare in patients with factor XI deficiency and significant bleeding usually occurs after a trauma or a surgical procedure. It is difficult to maintain hemostatic balance in these patients. In the present case report, a 68-year-old male patient with no chronic disease was scheduled for elective cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Eight units of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) were slowly infused and the operation was initiated with the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 34.5, which was 108.7 in the preoperative period. Tranexamic acid bolus was administered before the skin incision and continued throughout the operation. Intraoperative aPTT was measured intermittently and a total of six units of FFP were administered. After 76 minutes of cross-clamp time, the patient was separated from cardiopulmonary bypass without any problem. There is no consensus regarding the management of bleeding during cardiac surgery in patients with factor XI deficiency. The common approach includes normalizing the factor levels via FFP infusion or factor concentrates in the preoperative period, proceeding with surgery following the replacement, and close monitoring of perioperative factor levels and aPTT values.

3D-Printed Splitter for Use of a Single Ventilator on Multiple Patients During COVID-19.

During epidemics or pandemics affecting the respiratory systems, hospital equipment such as ventilators may become insufficient and different solutions can be considered. In fast spreading respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 due to the rapidly increasing number of patients, ventilatory machine insufficiencies may appear. It may be considered to use one hospital ventilator for more than one patient by dividing the airway of the machine with a specially designed splitter. The aim of this study was to determine whether a ventilator can be modified to provide ventilation of two or more patients simultaneously by using 3D designed and manufactured splitters. A two-port and four-port splitter were designed in Autodesk Fusion 360 computer program and manufactured by 3D printer using PolyJet technology (Stratasys J750). Two sets of splitters were used to adapt to the ventilator during trial process: one for inspiratory and one for expiratory outputs. Two intensive care specialists voluntarily tried this study on themselves. It was concluded from the study that 3D designed and manufactured two-port splitter can be used to separate the airway of a single ventilator to multiple patients within a very limited indication and time interval.

Redo robotic cardiac surgery and concomitant cesarean section in a pregnant patient with dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis.

Reoperations in cardiac surgery are very difficult and risky operations due to possible complications. A 35-week pregnant, 27-year-old woman patient presented to the cardiology department with palpitations. Control transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mass in the right atrium with dimensions of 24 × 25 mm. The patient had dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis, and had undergone a robotic atrial septal defect repair operation 1 year ago. Operation was planned for the patient with the joint decision of cardiology, obstetrics, pediatrics, anesthesia, and cardiovascular surgery departments. Redo robotic heart surgery was performed in beating heart after the operation of the cesarean, and the mass in the right atrium was successfully removed. In conclusion, as it is seen in our case, robotic cardiac surgery can be safely and successfully performed, and can minimize morbidity and mortality even in very complex clinical conditions such as pregnancy, dextrocardia, and reoperation.

Drug prescription by the dentist ­ choices during pregnancy and lactation period / Die zahnärztliche Verordnung von Arzneimitteln während der Schwangerschaft und in der Stillzeit

Pregnant women undergo several physiological changes ­ including when it comes to taking medication. Many substances, when taken by the expectant or lactating mother, will be transferred to the foetus or newborn, and not all drugs that help the mother will be beneficial for the baby. Especially in early pregnancy, during organogenesis, the foetus is highly sensitive. If this early development is disturbed by harmful substances such as certain medications, there can be serious consequences. In the worst case, the child is born with a malformation or is limited in its mental development. But later in the course of pregnancy, too, the use of certain drugs is dangerous. Although the risk of malformations now is no longer as high as in the first few weeks, certain drugs can, for example, trigger contractions or affect the baby.

Visiting the dentist during pregnancy / Der Zahnarztbesuch während der Schwangerschaft

In pregnancy, it is necessary to pay particu­lar attention to oral health, as inflammatory periodontal changes can occur due to the ex­ceptional hormonal situation. The popular be­lief, still existing today, that «each pregnancy costs the woman a tooth¼ is no longer valid considering conventional oral hygiene mea­sures and the fact that most pregnant women are very conscious of their nutrition (diet).

Taurine relaxes human radial artery through potassium channel opening action.

The vascular actions and mechanisms of taurine were investigated in the isolated human radial artery (RA). RA rings were suspended in isolated organ baths and tension was recorded isometrically. First, a precontraction was achieved by adding potassium chloride (KCl, 45 mM) or serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT, 30 µM) to organ baths. When the precontractions were stable, taurine (20, 40, 80 mM) was added cumulatively. Antagonistic effect of taurine on calcium chloride (10 µM to 10 mM)-induced contractions was investigated. Taurine-induced relaxations were also tested in the presence of the K+ channel inhibitors tetraethylammonium (1 mM), glibenclamide (10 µM) and 4-aminopyridine (1 mM). Taurine did not affect the basal tone but inhibited the contraction induced by 5-HT and KCl. Calcium chloride-induced contractions were significantly inhibited in the presence of taurine (20, 40, 80 mM) (p<0.05). The relaxation to taurine was inhibited by tetraethylammonium (p<0.05). However, glibenclamide and 4-aminopyridine did not affect taurine-induced relaxations. Present experiments show that taurine inhibits 5-HT and KCl-induced contractions in RA, and suggest that large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels may be involved in taurine-induced relaxation of RA.

Is radical surgery of an inverted papilloma of the maxillary sinus obsolete? a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sinonasal inverted papilloma is a locally aggressive tumor arising from the Schneiderian membrane which lines the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Aggressive surgical approaches, such as lateral rhinotomy, were used until recently for complete removal of the inverted papilloma. Currently, endoscopic resection is the gold standard in the treatment of inverted papilloma. However, there are situations that justify an open approach. For example there are studies that report a higher postoperative recurrence rate after endonasal endoscopic resection, particularly in the treatment of recurrent diseases. While endoscopic resection performed by an experienced surgeon is definitely a minimally invasive therapy, an open approach is not necessarily associated with functional and aesthetic disadvantages. This case report describes the treatment of inverted papilloma by an open approach. This has been described before but the new gold standard of endoscopic resection has to be taken into account before any treatment decision is made nowadays. CASE PRESENTATION: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck area was indicated in a 72-year-old white German man who presented with suspected squamous cell carcinoma of his lower lip. Magnetic resonance imaging additionally revealed a 3×2 cm2 polycyclic arranged mucosal thickening with cystic and solid contrast affine shares at the antral laterocaudal area of his right maxillary sinus, extending from his right lateral nasal wall to his maxillary sinus floor. He received antral polypectomy with medial maxillectomy via a unilateral LeFort I osteotomy approach. His pterygoid plate was preserved. A histological examination demonstrated a tumor composed of hyperplastic squamous epithelium protruding into the stroma (surface epithelial cells grew downward into the underlying supportive tissue), thus producing a grossly convoluted cerebriform appearance. Two weeks later, the patient regained a well-formed maxilla without any restrictions. He has remained disease-free for 25 months following the surgery and surveillance was continued in our tumor clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection of an inverted papilloma continues to be the gold standard. However, some cases require a radical approach. This does not necessarily increase patient morbidity.

[Endodontic filling with gutta-percha- requirements, formation and characteristics]. / Obturation du canal radiculaire à la gutta-percha – exigences, composition et propriétés.

Gutta-percha is a tough plastic substance from the latex of several Malaysian trees of the sapodilla family that resembles rubber but contains more resin. It is especially used as insulation and in dentistry. Gutta-percha endodontic filling points were found to contain approximately 20% gutta-percha (matrix), 66% zinc oxide (filler), 11% heavy metal sulphates (radiopacifier), and 3% waxes and/or resins (plasticiser). The mechanical properties were indicative of a partially crystalline viscoelastic polymeric material.

[Endodontic filling points with gutta percha - requirements, composition and properties]. / Wurzelkanalfüllungen mit Guttapercha - Anforderungen, Zusammensetzung und Eigenschaften.

Gutta-percha is a tough plastic substance from the latex of several Malaysian trees of the sapodilla family that resembles rubber but contains more resin. It is especially used as insulation and in dentistry. Gutta-percha endodontic filling points were found to contain approximately 20% gutta-percha (matrix), 66% zinc oxide (filler), 11% heavy metal sulphates (radiopacifier), and 3% waxes and/or resins (plasticiser). The mechanical properties were indicative of a partially crystalline viscoelastic polymeric material.