Blood supply to the human sternocleidomastoid muscle by the sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery.

The contribution of the sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery, superior arterial pedicle (SAP), to the irrigation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) was evaluated in fresh human cadavers by injecting Neoprene-latex for minute dissection. From its insertion in the mastoid process of the temporal bone, the SCM was divided into six levels. The Neoprene-latex injected into the SAP reached the upper three levels in all SCMs studied, which corresponds to the middle part of the studied SCM. In 43.3% of the SCM, this branch reached level four and in 36.6%, it reached level five.

Radiographic aspects and angioarchitectural arrangements in corrosion casts of the blood supply to the human sternocleidomastoid muscle by the sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery.

The contribution of the sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery (superior arterial pedicle-SAP) to the irrigation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) was evaluated in fresh human cadavers by injecting radiological dye and a resin for microvasculature corrosion casts. From its insertion in the mastoid process of the temporal bone, the SCM was divided into superior, medium, and inferior thirds. In most of the SCM, The SAP are formed by two longitudinal parallel branches. In all specimens, the radiological dye injected into the SAP reached or trespassed the middle part of the studied SCM. The SAP was poorly distributed in the lowermost region of the inferior third of the SCM, suggesting the contribution of other arteries or pedicles. The corrosion casts of the microvasculature showed a profuse network of microscopic vessels in those levels where the SAP was detected.

[Comparative study of cardioplegia and intermittent cross-clamping in myocardial revascularization surgery]. / Estudo comparativo da cardioplegia e do clampeamento intermitente em cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of two methods for myocardial preservation during coronary artery by pass graft (CABG): the intermittent aortic cross-clamping (IACC) and the cold hyperkalemic solution (CHS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-three patients operated for CABG between October/83 to May/84 were studied retrospectively. Those operated in emergency situations, reoperations and those who required concomitant additional procedures were excluded. The surgical technique used in both groups was essentially the same. Group I comprised 93 cases (40-70 years-old, median 57.7% y; 86% male) in which IACC were used. Group II comprised 70 cases (37-72 years old, median 67.7 y; 80% male) in which CHS (St. Thomas) was injected into the aortic root. The patients were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period at 3, 6, 12 months and then in variable periods until the 61 months of late follow-up. Myocardial ischemia and infarction, the use of drugs and the hospital time recovery were evaluated. The occurrence of symptoms, return to work, physical capacity, reinternations, reoperations and late deaths were evaluated in the late follow-up. RESULTS: During hospital period, no death was observed. Perioperative myocardial infarct was similar in both groups (group I = 2.1% and group II = 1.4%) statistical difference in the others parameters was observed. Of 95.5% of the patients who had postoperative observations, 80% had a late follow-up ranged from 30 to 61 months (median 38 months). One patient of each group had a cardiac death. In both groups (group I--1 patient and group II--4 patients) coronary insufficiency symptoms related were present and no statistical difference in the others parameters was observed. CONCLUSION: CHS or IACC were efficient and similar methods for myocardial protection in an elective group of patients submitted to a CABG in the immediate and late follow-up.