Quality of Life After Open Surgical versus Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare open surgical and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms in terms of their effects on quality of life, using Short Form-36 (SF-36). METHODS: A total of 133 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR or open surgical repair for infra-renal abdominal aorta aneurysm between January 2009 and June 2014 were included in the study. Twenty-six (19.5%) patients died during follow-up and were excluded from the analysis. Overall, 107 patients, 39 (36.4%) in the open repair group, and 68 (63.6%) in the EVAR group, completed all follow-up visits and study assessments. Quality of life assessments using SF-36 were performed before surgery and at post-operative months 1, 6, and 12. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 29.55±19.95 months. At one month, both physical and mental domains of the quality of life assessments favored EVAR, while the two surgical approaches did not differ significantly at or after six months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Despite anatomical advantages and acceptable mid-phase mortality in patients with high- or medium-risk for open surgery, EVAR did not exhibit a quality of life superiority over open surgery in terms of physical function and patient comfort at or after postoperative six months.

Quality of life after open surgical versus endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract Objective: This study aims to compare open surgical and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms in terms of their effects on quality of life, using Short Form-36 (SF-36). Methods: A total of 133 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR or open surgical repair for infra-renal abdominal aorta aneurysm between January 2009 and June 2014 were included in the study. Twenty-six (19.5%) patients died during follow-up and were excluded from the analysis. Overall, 107 patients, 39 (36.4%) in the open repair group, and 68 (63.6%) in the EVAR group, completed all follow-up visits and study assessments. Quality of life assessments using SF-36 were performed before surgery and at post-operative months 1, 6, and 12. Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 29.55±19.95 months. At one month, both physical and mental domains of the quality of life assessments favored EVAR, while the two surgical approaches did not differ significantly at or after six months postoperatively. Conclusion: Despite anatomical advantages and acceptable mid-phase mortality in patients with high- or medium-risk for open surgery, EVAR did not exhibit a quality of life superiority over open surgery in terms of physical function and patient comfort at or after postoperative six months.

Augmentation of arterial blood velocity with electrostimulation in patients with critical limb ischemia unsuitable for revascularization.

Aim This pilot study aimed to reveal whether combination of electrostimulation with iloprost treatment achieves better results compared to iloprost alone in patients with critical limb ischemia. Material and methods Patients were randomized into Group 1 ( n = 11, mean age: 65.3 ± 4.2 years, received iloprost infusion protocol alone) or Group 2 ( n = 11, mean age: 62.9 ± 6.7, received iloprost infusion plus standardized protocol of peroneal nerve electrostimulation). Electrostimulation was delivered with 1 Hz frequency, 27 mA current, and 200 ms pulse width. Peak blood flow velocities in the anterior and posterior tibialis arteries were measured with duplex ultrasound. Results There was a slight insignificant increase in blood velocity in anterior tibialis artery in Group 1 (from 17.6 ± 13.0 to 18.6 ± 13.1, p = 0.57), whereas the increase in Group 2 was marked (from 23.8 ± 18.3 to 32.2 ± 19.7, p = 0.01). Blood velocity in posterior tibialis artery also increased in both groups, but it was not of statistical significance. No significant difference was found between two groups in regard to final pulse oximetry oxygen saturation levels. Conclusion Electrostimulation of the peroneal nerve caused a substantial increase in anterior tibialis artery blood velocity when used as an adjunct to medical therapy in patients with critical limb ischemia.

Effect of ejection fraction on left ventricular remodeling in aortic insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Due to ventricular compensatory mechanisms, patients with severe aortic regurgitation are generally asymptomatic. Severe left ventricular dysfunction develops annually in 20% of non-operated cases, and the prognosis in those cases is poor. Although surgery is recommend in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, surgeons are wary. We investigated the changes in ventricular and effort capacity after surgery in patients with normal and abnormal left ventricular function. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the data of patients with aortic regurgitation who underwent aortic valve replacement in our clinic between 1993 and 2013. Those who had previous cardiac surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, or preoperative arrhythmias were excluded. The 113 patients were divided into 2 groups according to ejection fraction. RESULTS: In patients with ejection fraction <50%, interventricular septal thickness, posterior wall thickness, and left ventricular mass were significantly greater than in the ejection fraction ≥50% group (p < 0.01). No significant differences in intensive care unit stay and hospitalization were determined. No mortality was observed. Ejection fraction and effort capacity increased significantly after aortic valve replacement in both groups, and interventricular septal thickness, posterior wall thickness, and left ventricular mass decreased in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Significant left ventricular functional improvements can be achieved after aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic regurgitation who develop left ventricular dysfunction. Despite the reported higher surgical mortality in this patient group, surgical treatment offers a survival benefit. We recommend surgical treatment in patients with severe aortic regurgitation who develop left ventricular dysfunction.

Angina severity predicts worse sleep quality after coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to reveal whether the severity of angina pectoris affects sleep quality after elective coronary artery bypass grafting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were divided into two groups, having a recent myocardial infarction (Group 1, n=22, mean age 59.40±7.79 years) or not having a recent myocardial infarction (Group 2, n=30, mean age 59.73±7.72 years). The assessment included the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Score, the visual analogue scale for postoperative pain and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: The two groups were similar in regard to baseline characteristics. Cross-clamp time was significantly higher (p=0.007) and the use of inotropes was significantly more common (p=0.01) in those patients with recent myocardial infarction compared to those without. Mean Canadian Cardiovascular Society scores were also higher in patients with recent myocardial infarction (p=0.02). Total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was significantly higher in patients with recent myocardial infarction (8.45±3.50 vs. 5.03±2.32, respectively, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, higher angina score (OR: 3.27, 95% CI, 1.20-8.90, p=0.02) and longer time of intensive care unit stay (OR: 6.15, 95% CI, 1.49-25.35, p=0.01) were found to be independent predictors of poor sleep quality. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina score showed a significant positive correlation with poor sleep duration score (<0.001), sleep disturbance score (p=0.02), day dysfunction due to sleepiness score (p=0.001), sleep efficiency score (p=0.003), overall sleep quality score (0.03) and total PSQI score (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The severity of angina pectoris in the preoperative period is independently associated with worse sleep quality after elective isolated coronary artery bypass surgery.

Dopamine Administration is a Risk Factor for Delirium in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is an important morbidity following heart surgery. We sought to determine whether dopamine infusion is associated with increased risk of delirium in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: A total of 137 patients (mean age; 61.02±7.83, 105 males) were included in the study. Patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were considered eligible and those with preoperative neurological deficit or significant neurocognitive disorders, dementia or psychiatric disorders were excluded. Primary outcome measure was occurrence of delirium within 72 hours after operation. The diagnosis of delirium was made using confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit questionnaire. Both administration of dopamine as a dichotomised variable and the total amount of dopamine per kg body-weight were included in two different logistic regression models. RESULTS: Delirium occurred in 18 (13.1%) patients. Age adjusted Mantel-Haenszel relative risk for delirium with receiving dopamine was 4.62. Relative risk was 2.37 (0.18 to 31.28, 95% CI, p=0.51) in total doses over 10mg whereas it was 3.55 (1.16 to 10.89 95% CI, p=0.02) in total doses over 30 mg per kg body-weight. Older age (p=0.03), dopamine administration (OR: 9.227 95% CI, 2.688-32.022, p<0.001) and the amount of dopamine administered (OR: 1.072, 95% CI, 1.032-1.115, p<0.001) were independent predictors for delirium 72 hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: Along with older age, dopamine infusion--even in low doses but more probably in higher doses--emerged as an independent risk factor for delirium in patients undergoing CABG. Further study is needed to confirm the validity of results presented.

Early Mortality and Long-term Survival after Repair of Post-infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture: An Institutional Report of Experience.

BACKGROUND: To determine predictors of mortality after surgical management of post-infarction ventricular septal rupture repair. METHODS: A total of 63 patients (73.2%, mean age 67.22±7.71 years, male:female ratio; 35:28) underwent open heart surgery for post-infarction ventricular septal rupture repair. Patient demographics, operative data and postoperative parameters were analysed to reveal predictors of early mortality and long-term survival. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 54.0% (34/63). Time from myocardial infarction to operation ≤ 14 days (OR: 4.10, 95% CI 1.16-14.46, p=0.02), systolic pulmonary artery pressure > 45 mmHg (OR: 4.14, 95% CI 1.110-15.496, p=0.03) and age (years) (OR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.002-1.194, p=0.04) were found to be independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, presence of pulmonary oedema on admission (HR: 4.95, 95% CI 1.58-15.54, p=0.006), age (years) (HR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.009-1.180, p= 0.02) and cross-clamp time <60 min (HR: 3.93, 95% CI 1.13-13.64, p=0.03) were found to be independent predictors of long-term survival. Within a follow-up of a median of 60.0 months, five-year survival rate was 67±9.0%. CONCLUSION: In line with the previous studies, our study demonstrated the benefits of delaying the repair for post-infarction ventricular septal rupture to allow adequate myocardial healing if haemodynamic status of the patient allows.

Effect of Left Atrial Reduction on Restoration and Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Replacement: A Pilot Study.

Background This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of posterior left atrial wall plication (T-plasty) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) (> 7 days) undergoing mitral valve surgery. Materials and Methods A total of 60 patients who were scheduled for mitral valve replacement were randomly allocated into two groups: one would receive (Group 1; n = 32, mean age; 49.37 ± 9.00) and one would not receive (Group 2; n = 28; mean age 48.64 ± 8.6) left atrial size reduction using T-plasty technique. Patients with a clear indication for combined procedures other than tricuspid valve disease, aortic valve disease, and coronary artery stenosis were not included. Follow-up was performed at 6th, 12th, and 18th months after the operation. Results After the operation, 21 patients (65.6%) in Group 1 and 13 patients (46.4%) in Group 2 regained sinus rhythm (p = 0.13). Mortality did not occur. AF recurrence rates were not significantly different between the groups in three follow-ups. Restoration of sinus rhythm was significantly more common in Group 1 patients than in Group 2 patients during follow-up. Patients in Group 1 had lower left atrial volume indexes than those in Group 2 at the 6th and 12th months, whereas the difference at the 18th month was at the limit of significance. Conclusion We achieved satisfactory results using the T-plasty technique for left atrial size reduction in terms of mid-term restoration and preservation of normal sinus rhythm in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Further study may be justified to reveal the prognostic importance of the technique described herein.

Hyponatremia Due to Escitalopram and Thiazide Use After Cardiac Surgery.

Depression and mood disorders occur commonly following emergent cardiac surgery. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly used antidepressants. We report the development of severe hyponatremia leading to adverse clinical effects due to escitalopram and thiazide diuretic use concomitantly in a patient with depression after emergency coronary artery bypass grafting.

Potential role of electrostimulation in augmentation of venous blood flow after total knee replacement: A pilot study.

AIM: To investigate the potential role of a novel electrostimulation device in augmenting the femoral vein venous blood flow following total knee replacement surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 consecutive patients undergoing total knee replacement were allocated to receive either peroneal nerve electrostimulation plus low molecular weight heparin and below-knee compression stockings (Group 1, electrostimulation group, n = 15, mean age: 63.40 ± 5.91 years, male: female ratio 9:6) or low molecular weight heparin and below-knee compression stockings alone (Group 2, control group, n = 15, mean age: 63.86 ± 7.47 years, male: female ratio 8:7). Electrostimulation was performed for 1 h in every 4 h after the operation. Peak blood velocity in the femoral vein was evaluated with Duplex ultrasonongraphy in supine position. Presence of leg edema and calf diameter was also taken into consideration as outcome measures, which were recorded both before surgery and at the time of discharge from hospital. RESULTS: Postoperative peak blood flow velocity in the femoral vein was significantly higher in electrostimulation group compared to control group (17.46 ± 2.86 cm/s vs. 13.84 ± 3.58 cm/s, p < 0.02). Electrostimulation group achieved a significant increase in peak blood flow velocity in the femoral vein after the operation (mean increase 67.48 ± 17.38%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Electrostimulation of the common peroneal nerve enhanced venous flow in the lower limb and may potentially be of use as a supplementary technique in deep venous prophylaxis following lower limb orthopedic operations.

A Perplexing Presentation of Entrapment of the Brachial Artery.

A 45-year-old male being otherwise healthy presented acute onset of right upper extremity ischemia. On physical examination, axillary artery could be palpated whereas the brachial artery could not be palpated below the level of the antecubital fossa, including radial and ulnar artery pulses. Pulses were also inaudible with pocket-ultrasound below the level of the brachial artery bifurcation. The patient was initially diagnosed to have acute thromboembolic occlusion and given 5000 IU intravenous heparin. The patient was taken to the operating room. We noticed that the ischemic symptoms disappeared within a couple of minutes just before we began the operation. However, ischemic symptoms reappeared six hours later and computed tomography angiography showed lack of enhancement below the elbow crease. We were taking the patient to the operating room for the second time when the symptoms recovered in a few minutes, again. The operation was not canceled anymore. In the operation, the brachial artery was found anomalously perforating and it was entrapped by the bicipital aponeurosis. The artery was relieved by resecting the aponeurosis and there was no need for any other intervention. The patient had no more recurrence of symptoms postoperatively.

Thermoreactive nitinol clips: Propensity score comparison with Robicsek technique.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of thermoreactive nitinol clips with the classic Robicsek technique for treatment of sternal dehiscence after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Eighty-two (2.3%) of 3564 open heart surgery patients underwent reoperation for sternal dehiscence between October 2011 and 2012. Prospectively collected data from 26 (31%) consecutive patients who underwent reoperation using thermoreactive nitinol clips were compared with those of a retrospective cohort of 42 (51.2%) who were treated with the classic Robicsek technique. To overcome baseline and operative variations, we constructed a propensity model using logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall mortality occurred in 3 (5%) patients and a second revision was performed in 2 (7.7%) in the nitinol clip group and 2 (6.3%) in the control group (p > 0.05). Postoperative results were similar except for the mean time of operation which was significantly shorter in the nitinol clip group, and patients in this group required substernal dissection slightly less frequently than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Thermoreactive nitinol clips allow the surgeon to perform a rapid and less challenging technique for sternal reoperations, without additional complications. Using this technique in an identical group with a finite sample size, we accomplished similar early results to those of the classic Robicsek technique.

Intravenous iloprost for treatment of critical limb ischemia in patients unsuitable for revascularization.

INTRODUCTION: Whether medical therapy alone may reduce the amputation rates in patients with chronic limb ischemia and who are unsuitable for revascularization is a controversial topic. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of 1 week infusion of iloprost in the treatment of patients with chronic limb ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven consecutive patients were included in the study. There were 23 men (85.2%) and 4 women (14.8%) with a mean age of 68.93 ± 14.84 years. Patients were considered eligible if they were unsuitable for surgical and endovascular revascularization. Follow-up was made on 10th day and 6th month and included ankle brachial index and clinical assessment. RESULTS: Minor side effects occurred in four patients (16.0%), but the treatment was continued. In-hospital mortality occurred in one patient (4.0%). Another two patients died and four patients received amputation until follow-up (overall mortality 11.1%). There was significant increase in mean ankle-brachial index values between 1st day and 10th day (p < 0.001), between 1st day and 6th month (p < 0.001), and between 10th day and 6th month (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: One-week treatment with iloprost may provide both long lasting symptomatic benefit and may improve hemodynamic parameters, which were shown to predict future amputation.

A suspicious reason for Raynaud's phenomenon: Intrauterine device.

Primary Raynaud's phenomenon may be insistent in patients under medical therapy, and intrauterine devices may be an unnoticed reason in these patients. Fluctuations in female sex hormone status were reported to be associated with the emergence of primary Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms. The use of intrauterine devices was not reported to be associated with Raynaud's phenomenon previously. Intrauterine device may stimulate vascular hyperactivity regarding hormonal or unknown mechanisms that result in Raynaud's phenomenon. We present a postmenopausal patient who complained of primary Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms and had recovery after the removal of her copper intrauterine device.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma in treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers: A prospective case series.

STUDY: We report our results on a case series of 19 patients receiving platelet-rich plasma application in treatment of patients with chronic unhealing venous leg ulcers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 16 males and three females with a mean age of 38.55 ± 16.46 years. Planimetric size measurements were performed and pain was tested throughout the treatment period. Follow-up was made in seven-day periods. Patients received 5 ml of platelet-rich plasma for each 5 cm(2) of the wound surface with half of the amount being injected 1-2 mm deep into the wound and the wound surface was covered with the remaining half. RESULTS: Complete wound healing occurred in 18 of 19 patients (94.7%) within a mean of 4.82 ± 2.16 week. There were significant reductions in wound area among all consecutive measurements except for first week. A significant reduction in wound volume was apparent even in first week and sustained among consecutive measurements. CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich plasma seems effective in terms of promoting healing of venous leg ulcers. Improvement in wound depth was slightly more prominent than that in wound area, indicating a potential role of platelet-rich plasma especially in deep venous ulcers.

Pericardiectomy for treatment of neoplastic constrictive pericarditis.

OBJECTIVE: To share our results of a case series of 8 patients who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis that developed secondary to a known neoplastic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The underlying neoplasia was lung cancer in 5 (62.5%) patients, malignant pleural mesothelioma in 2 (25%), and Hodgkin lymphoma in 1 (12.5%). A diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis was made primarily by echocardiography, and right heart catheterization was performed in 6 (75%) patients. Total pericardiectomy was defined as wide excision of the anterior pericardium. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview and the civil registry database. RESULTS: Time from initial diagnosis of the neoplastic disease ranged from 1 to 15 years. Total pericardiectomy was performed in 6 (75%) patients. Histopathological examination revealed atypical cells in evacuated fluid and pericardial material in 6 patients. Nonspecific inflammation and fibrosis were observed in the other 2 cases. Hospital death occurred in 1 (12.5%) patient. Postoperative low cardiac output syndrome occurred in 7 (87.5%) patients. Follow-up ranged from 2.92 to 26.78 months. Mean survival was 14.82 ± 4.4 months. CONCLUSION: Pericardial constriction may develop a long time after the initial presentation of certain neoplastic diseases, and the prognosis after pericardiectomy is poor.

Management of massive pulmonary hemorrhage following pulmonary endarterectomy.

Massive pulmonary hemorrhage is a potentially fatal complication of pulmonary endarterectomy. We describe a successful management in which the patient's right lower lobe bronchus was occluded with a Fogarty balloon catheter while on peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Surgical management of effusive constrictive pericarditis.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical approach for effusive constrictive pericarditis (ECP) has not been extensively studied. We present our institution's early and long-term results of pericardiectomy in our cohort of patients with ECP. METHODS: Diagnosis was made primarily by echocardiography. Right heart catheterisation was performed in eight patients. Pre-operatively, 10 patients had undergone at least one previous attempt at therapeutic pericardiocentesis. Pericardiectomy was performed where appropriate (thickened or inflamed). RESULTS: Of our 12 patients (50% male, median age 48 years, range 17-72 years), the underlying aetiology included idiopathic in five (41.6%), tuberculosis in four (33%), and malignancy in three patients (25%). Elective surgery was performed in nine patients. Median values of both central venous pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased markedly postoperatively (from 16.5 to 11.0 mmHg, p = 0.02; 20.0-15.0 mmHg, p = 0.01, respectively). There was no in-hospital mortality. Follow up ranged from three months to nine years (median three years). Five (41.6%) patients died during the follow-up period, and cumulative two-year survival was 55.6 ± 1.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Pericardiectomy for ECP was effective, in terms of our early results, in patients unresponsive to medical therapy. Long-term survival depends on the underlying disease.

Prognostic significance of the absence of normal septal Q waves before aortic valve replacement.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of absence of septal Q waves in patients scheduled for aortic valve replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis were retrospectively evaluated. Septal Q waves were defined as Q waves of<2mm in amplitude and<40ms in width and absence of septal Q waves was defined as simultaneous loss of Q waves from at least three of the leads I, aVL, V5 and V6. Septal Q waves were absent in 17 patients (Group AQ, 27.8%) and were present in 44 patients (Group PQ, 72.1 %) preoperatively. Newly developed AV block>1st degree and newly developed left bundle branch block were primary endpoints. RESULTS: Preoperatively, absence of normal septal Q waves was significantly associated with increased risk of postoperative AV block (HR: 11.18, range 1.37-91.21, 95% CI, p=0.02) whereas it was not associated with increased risk for newly developed LBBB (HR: 3.15 0.62-15.83, 95% CI, p=0.16). CONCLUSION: Absence of normal septal Q waves in the preoperative ECG may predict further delay in conduction which might develop in the early postoperative course of aortic valve replacement.

Treatment of left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis: stent or surgery.

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting stents have emerged as a solution to the problem of restenosis after bare-metal stent implantation, as an alternative to off-pump coronary bypass, for isolated left anterior descending coronary artery lesions at short-term follow-up. However, long-term follow-up is yet to be defined. METHODS: From January to December 2004, 64 consecutive patients underwent myocardial revascularization: 31 by drug-eluting stents and 33 by off-pump coronary bypass. The primary endpoint was angiographic outcome, and the secondary endpoint was clinical outcome at 5 years. RESULTS: There was no early or late mortality in either group. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the stent group (2.5 ± 2.1 vs. 7.1 ± 4.9 days, p = 0.003). Long-term patency was higher and major adverse cardiac events (recurrence of angina and revascularization of target vessel) were encountered less frequently in the coronary bypass group, although not significantly. CONCLUSION: The 5-year follow-up showed no significant difference between the off-pump coronary bypass and stent groups for the primary and secondary endpoints. As a significant difference between treatment options is lacking, decision-making for appropriate treatment in this group of patients requires the collaboration of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons and an individual approach, to achieve successful long-term outcomes.