Pioneer of Cardiothoracic Surgery - Luiz Tavares da Silva

ABSTRACT Luis Tavares revolutionized cardiac surgery, always bringing the most modern instruments and equipment from his travels to England - surgical forceps, scissors, scalpels, etc. He always insisted that he was not just a thoracic surgeon, for his work extended over a wide field and created three important cardiac surgery centers which promoted a great development of cardiology. He carried out the first open heart surgery (atrial septal defect) employing extracorporeal circulation and closure of a ventricular septal defect with deep surface hypothermia of north and northeast Brazil. He promoted an intense scientific exchange program between Recife and England, resulting in significant advances in medicine, and participated directly in the creation of HEMOPE), leading to radical changes and improvements in blood therapy in the whole country. The PROCAPE, inaugurated in 2006, was the result of the cardiac center created by him in early 1970 at Hospital Oswaldo Cruz and can be considered the second largest public-university cardiology center in Brazil. He is thus widely regarded as an outstanding name in medicine in the 20th century and one of the fathers of modern cardiac surgery in Brazil.

Pioneer of Cardiothoracic Surgery - Luiz Tavares da Silva.

Luis Tavares revolutionized cardiac surgery, always bringing the most modern instruments and equipment from his travels to England - surgical forceps, scissors, scalpels, etc. He always insisted that he was not just a thoracic surgeon, for his work extended over a wide field and created three important cardiac surgery centers which promoted a great development of cardiology. He carried out the first open heart surgery (atrial septal defect) employing extracorporeal circulation and closure of a ventricular septal defect with deep surface hypothermia of north and northeast Brazil. He promoted an intense scientific exchange program between Recife and England, resulting in significant advances in medicine, and participated directly in the creation of HEMOPE), leading to radical changes and improvements in blood therapy in the whole country. The PROCAPE, inaugurated in 2006, was the result of the cardiac center created by him in early 1970 at Hospital Oswaldo Cruz and can be considered the second largest public-university cardiology center in Brazil. He is thus widely regarded as an outstanding name in medicine in the 20th century and one of the fathers of modern cardiac surgery in Brazil.

Comparative study between on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass graft in women.

BACKGROUND: It has been well documented that women have higher morbidity and mortality rates than men following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In view of this evidence, it is necessary to know if there is benefit to off-pump CABG surgery in women in comparison to on-pump CABG. OBJECTIVES: Compare outcomes between off-pump CABG and on-pump CABG in women. METHODS: Retrospective study. Our investigation analyzes comparatively clinical profile, thirteen procedure complications and mortality of a population of 941 consecutive women undergoing CABG surgery (549 off-pump and 392 on-pump) at two hospitals for the period January 2000 to December 2005. RESULTS: Mortality rate for women undergoing off-pump CABG surgery is lower than for women undergoing on-pump surgery, however, not statistically significant (3.1% vs 5.3%; P=0.134). The complication rates analyzed (hemorrhagic shock, neurologic, respiratory, acute renal failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, septicemia, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation) were lower (significant statistically difference) for women off-pump than women on-pump, with the exception of low cardiac output and wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests that off-pump CABG surgery may be better for women than on-pump CABG surgery because it appears to reduce morbimortality rates. Ten of 13 complications investigated demonstrated an advantage for women undergoing off-pump surgery relative to those receiving on-pump surgery.

Estudo comparativo entre cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica com e sem circulação extracorpórea em mulheres / Comparative study between on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass graft in women

INTRODUÇÃO: Tem sido bem documentado que mulheres têm taxas de morbimortalidade mais altas que homens submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM). Em vista desta evidência, é necessário saber se há benefício da CRM sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC) em comparação à CRM com CEC. OBJETIVOS: Comparar desfechos de morbimortalidade entre CRM sem CEC e CRM com CEC. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo. Nossa investigação analisa comparativamente o perfil clínico, 13 complicações relativas ao procedimento e mortalidade de uma população de 941 mulheres submetidas à CRM (549 sem CEC e 392 com CEC) em dois hospitais, no período de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2005. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade em mulheres submetidas à CRM sem CEC é menor que mulheres submetidas à CRM com CEC, entretanto, a diferença não é estatisticamente significativa (3,1 por cento vs. 5,3 por cento; P=0,134). As taxas de complicações analisadas (choque hemorrágico, neurológicas, respiratórias, insuficiência renal aguda, síndrome da angústia respiratória do adulto, septicemia, pneumonia, fibrilação atrial) foram menores (diferença estatisticamente significativa) em mulheres do grupo CRM sem CEC em comparação ao grupo CRM com CEC, com exceção das complicações baixo débito cardíaco e infecção de ferida operatória. CONCLUSÕES: As evidências sugerem que CRM sem CEC pode beneficiar as mulheres em comparação com CRM com CEC, pois parece reduzir as taxas de morbimortalidade. Dez das 13 complicações investigadas demonstraram uma significativa vantagem das mulheres submetidas à CRM sem CEC em relação àquelas submetidas à CRM com CEC.

BACKGROUND: It has been well documented that women have higher morbidity and mortality rates than men following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In view of this evidence, it is necessary to know if there is benefit to off-pump CABG surgery in women in comparison to on-pump CABG. OBJECTIVES: Compare outcomes between off-pump CABG and on-pump CABG in women. METHODS: Retrospective study. Our investigation analyzes comparatively clinical profile, thirteen procedure complications and mortality of a population of 941 consecutive women undergoing CABG surgery (549 off-pump and 392 on-pump) at two hospitals for the period January 2000 to December 2005. RESULTS: Mortality rate for women undergoing off-pump CABG surgery is lower than for women undergoing on-pump surgery, however, not statistically significant (3.1 percent vs 5.3 percent; P=0.134). The complication rates analyzed (hemorrhagic shock, neurologic, respiratory, acute renal failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, septicemia, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation) were lower (significant statistically difference) for women off-pump than women on-pump, with the exception of low cardiac output and wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests that off-pump CABG surgery may be better for women than on-pump CABG surgery because it appears to reduce morbimortality rates. Ten of 13 complications investigated demonstrated an advantage for women undergoing off-pump surgery relative to those receiving on-pump surgery.

Novel no-touch technique of harvesting the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Optimization of the saphenous vein for myocardial revascularization. OBJECTIVE: To present the no-touch technique of the saphenous vein preparation. This technique consists of harvesting the vein with a pedicle of surrounding tissue, which protects the vein from spasms, obviating the need for distension. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study with 156 patients who underwent artery bypass grafting was performed comparing three saphenous vein harvesting techniques: conventional, intermediate, and no-touch. A morphological study of the endothelium was carried out using scanning microscopy. An angiographic assessment of the vein graft patency was performed at a mean follow-up time of 18 months. Also, an immunohistochemical assessment was carried out to identify the endothelial enzyme nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the vein wall RESULTS: The preservation of the endothelial cell integrity was greater in the no-touch technique than in the other procedures. At angiographic follow-up, the patency for the no-touch group was 95.4%, 88.9% for the grafts of the conventional technique group, and 86.2% for the grafts performed in the intermediate technique group. The immunohistochemical assessment revealed eNOS in all three layers of the vein wall in the no-touch group and reduction of this enzyme in the conventional group. CONCLUSION: The endothelial integrity and eNOS activity were better preserved when using the no-touch technique for vein graft harvesting. The mechanical protection provided by the cushion of surrounding tissue in the no-touch group, the vasorelaxation and thromboresistant activities of nitric oxide may be responsible for the reduction of vasospasms and improved patency rate.

Nova técnica cirúrgica de preparo da veia safena para revascularização do miocárdio sem manipulação direta - no-touch / Novel no-touch technique of harvesting the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass grafting

FUNDAMENTO: Otimização da veia safena na revascularização miocárdica. OBJETIVO: Apresentar a técnica no-touch de preparo da veia safena. Essa técnica consiste na retirada da veia safena do seu leito, com um pedículo de tecido adiposo, protegendo-a contra espasmos, sendo desnecessário distendê-la. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo e randomizado, incluindo 156 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. Comparação da técnica no-touch com duas outras técnicas: convencional e intermediária. Procedeu-se à avaliação da morfologia endotelial, utilizando a microscopia. A perviabilidade das pontes foi determinada com exame angiográfico num período médio de 18 meses após a operação. A enzima óxido nítrico sintetase endotelial (eNOS) foi identificada por meio do estudo imunohistoquímico. RESULTADOS: A avaliação morfológica mostrou integridade endotelial de 97 por cento nas veias do grupo no-touch; enquanto quase metade da superfície endotelial das veias tratadas pelas outras técnicas exibiu ausência de células endoteliais. A angiografia revelou perviabilidade de 95,4 por cento para as pontes do grupo no-touch, 88,9 e 86,2 por cento para as pontes do grupo convencional e intermediária, respectivamente. O estudo imunohistoquímico revelou a presença da eNOS nas três camadas que compõem a parede da veia no grupo no-touch e redução dessa enzima no grupo convencional. CONCLUSÃO: A integridade endotelial e a atividade da eNOS foram melhor preservadas com o uso da técnica no-touch. A proteção mecânica fornecida pelo tecido gorduroso circundante à veia e a atividade vasodilatadora e bloqueadora da agregação plaquetária causada pelo óxido nítrico podem ser responsáveis pela proteção da veia contra o espasmo, como também por sua alta perviabilidade imediata.

BACKGROUND: Optimization of the saphenous vein for myocardial revascularization. OBJECTIVE: To present the no-touch technique of the saphenous vein preparation. This technique consists of harvesting the vein with a pedicle of surrounding tissue, which protects the vein from spasms, obviating the need for distension. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study with 156 patients who underwent artery bypass grafting was performed comparing three saphenous vein harvesting techniques: conventional, intermediate, and no-touch. A morphological study of the endothelium was carried out using scanning microscopy. An angiographic assessment of the vein graft patency was performed at a mean follow-up time of 18 months. Also, an immunohistochemical assessment was carried out to identify the endothelial enzyme nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the vein wall RESULTS: The preservation of the endothelial cell integrity was greater in the no-touch technique than in the other procedures. At angiographic follow-up, the patency for the no-touch group was 95.4 percent, 88.9 percent for the grafts of the conventional technique group, and 86.2 percent for the grafts performed in the intermediate technique group. The immunohistochemical assessment revealed eNOS in all three layers of the vein wall in the no-touch group and reduction of this enzyme in the conventional group. CONCLUSION: The endothelial integrity and eNOS activity were better preserved when using the no-touch technique for vein graft harvesting. The mechanical protection provided by the cushion of surrounding tissue in the no-touch group, the vasorelaxation and thromboresistant activities of nitric oxide may be responsible for the reduction of vasospasms and improved patency rate.

Technical aspects in skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery using an ultrasonic scalpel.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and evaluate the immediate results of using an ultrasonic scalpel in the skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. METHODS: From January 2000 to October 2006, 188 patients were submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting with the internal thoracic artery skeletonized using an ultrasonic scalpel. Seventy-one patients (37.8%) were women. The patients' ages varied from 28 to 81 years old. The entire internal thoracic artery was exposed opening the endothoracic fascia using scissors as close as possible to the arterial adventitia. An ultrasonic scalpel was used to transect and coagulate all the intercostal branches, thereby minimizing the use of metallic clips. RESULTS: The skeletonized internal thoracic arteries presented with excellent flow, obviating the need for intraluminal manipulation for vasodilatation. In the immediate postoperative period, two patients were found to have temporary left-sided diaphragmatic paralysis. There were no sternal wound infections in this series. The dissection can be performed in approximately 33 minutes however with more experience this time may be reduced. CONCLUSION: This technique facilitates and shortens the internal thoracic artery skeletonization procedure and does not cause arterial spasms. Cauterization of the collateral branches with an ultrasonic scalpel is efficient and the use of metallic clips is almost unnecessary. It is a procedure that is easy to reproduce and may be recommended as the first-choice technique for the dissection of the internal thoracic artery.

Tratamento cirúrgico da coarctação da aorta: experiência de três décadas / Surgical treatment of the aortic coarctation: three-decade experience

Objetivo: Revisar os resultados imediatos de 30 anos da cirurgia de coarctação da aorta (CoAo), no período entre 1974 e 2004. Foram incluídos todos pacientes operados de CoAo, isolada ou associada a outros defeitos congênitos. Método: Foram pesquisados...

Aspectos técnicos na esqueletização da artéria torácica interna com bisturi ultra-sônico / Technical aspects in skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery using an ultrasonic scalpel

OBJETIVO: Descrever a técnica e avaliar os resultados imediatos da utilização do bisturi ultra-sônico nas esqueletizações da artéria torácica interna, na cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. MÉTODO: Foram operados com essa técnica 188 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio, no período de janeiro de 2000 a outubro de 2006. Setenta e um (37,8 por cento) pacientes eram do sexo feminino. A idade variou de 28 a 81 anos. A técnica utilizada na dissecação consistiu em expor toda artéria torácica interna, abrindo-se a fáscia endotorácica com tesoura o mais próximo possível da adventícia da artéria. Com o bisturi ultra-sônico é feita a secção dos ramos colaterais e sua respectiva hemostasia, dispensando-se o uso de "clips" metálicos na artéria torácica interna. RESULTADOS: As artérias torácicas internas esqueletizadas com bisturi ultra-sônico apresentaram fluxos excelentes, não sendo necessárias manipulações intraluminais para vasodilatação. No pós-operatório imediato, dois pacientes apresentaram paralisia temporária da hemicúpula diafragmática esquerda. Não houve infecção do esterno nesta série. O tempo de dissecação foi de aproximadamente 33 minutos, mas com o aumento da experiência esse tempo pôde ser reduzido. CONCLUSÃO: Essa técnica facilita e abrevia o procedimento da esqueletização da artéria torácica interna, não promove espasmos e a cauterização dos ramos colaterais com o bisturi ultra-sônico é eficiente, dispensando o uso de "clips" metálicos. É um procedimento de fácil reprodução, podendo ser recomendado para sua realização de maneira preferencial.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and evaluate the immediate results of using an ultrasonic scalpel in the skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. METHODS: From January 2000 to October 2006, 188 patients were submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting with the internal thoracic artery skeletonized using an ultrasonic scalpel. Seventy-one patients (37.8 percent) were women. The patients' ages varied from 28 to 81 years old. The entire internal thoracic artery was exposed opening the endothoracic fascia using scissors as close as possible to the arterial adventitia. An ultrasonic scalpel was used to transect and coagulate all the intercostal branches, thereby minimizing the use of metallic clips. RESULTS: The skeletonized internal thoracic arteries presented with excellent flow, obviating the need for intraluminal manipulation for vasodilatation. In the immediate postoperative period, two patients were found to have temporary left-sided diaphragmatic paralysis. There were no sternal wound infections in this series. The dissection can be performed in approximately 33 minutes however with more experience this time may be reduced. CONCLUSION: This technique facilitates and shortens the internal thoracic artery skeletonization procedure and does not cause arterial spasms. Cauterization of the collateral branches with an ultrasonic scalpel is efficient and the use of metallic clips is almost unnecessary. It is a procedure that is easy to reproduce and may be recommended as the first-choice technique for the dissection of the internal thoracic artery.

Surgical treatment of the aortic coarctation: three-decade experience.

OBJECTIVE: To make a 30-year review of the immediate results of coarctation of the aorta (CoAo) operation, between 1974 and 2004. All the patients underwent CoAo whether in isolation or associated with other congenital defects. METHODS: The following data was investigated: age at the time of surgery, gender, associated lesions, and type of surgical technique, and immediate surgical outcome, particularly focusing the presence of systemic arterial hypertension. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients underwent CoAo. Of the 104 enrolled patients, 75 (72%) were pediatric patients and 29 (28%) adults patients. In the pediatric group, 23 (22%) were considered neonates, 17 (16%) infants, and 35 (34%) children. The associated defects were present in 66 (63.5%) patients, 54 (51.9%) in the pediatric group and 12 (11.3%) in the adult group. Seven (6.7%) deaths were observed in the immediate postoperative period. Among the various surgical techniques employed, aortoplasty was used in 80 patients (76.9%); end-to-end anastomosis in 15 (14.4%); Teles technique in seven (6.7%), Waldhausen technique in one (1%), and it was not possible to identify the technique in one patient (1%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of the present study, it may be noted that the results were good with the corrective surgery being performed safely and with a low mortality rate. Medium- and long-term follow-up was impaired by the well-known structural deficiencies in Brazil.

Experiência clínica inicial na desmineralização química da valva aórtica: potencial aplicação como procedimento minimamente invasivo / Chemical demineralization of the aortic valve: a potential application and preliminary clinical experience

OBJETIVO: Utilização de nova tecnologia na desmineralização química da valva aórtica, em cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea, avaliação de suas alterações hemodinâmicas e reportar eventos relacionados à técnica. MÉTODO: Cinco pacientes, submetidos à revascularização miocárdica e portadores de estenose aórtica leve a moderada, receberam tratamento químico na valva aórtica. A idade dos pacientes variou de 65 a 81 anos, com média de 73 anos; sendo todos do sexo masculino. Um paciente tinha doença uniarterial e quatro, multiarterial (quatro vasos). O gradiente médio variou de 13 a 49 mmHg, com média de 25 mmHg. A área média do orifício aórtico variou de 0,8 a 1,3 cm², com média de 1,1cm². Os antecedentes observados foram: hipertensão arterial, hipercolesterolemia, diabete melito e fumo. RESULTADOS: O período de pinçamento aórtico variou de 94 a 126 minutos, com média de 107 minutos. O tempo de "bypass" variou de 134 a 171 minutos, com média de 152 minutos. O tempo de tratamento variou de 13 a 33 minutos, com média de 28 minutos. Não foi observado nenhum óbito. Complicações pós-operatórias observadas foram: bloqueio atrioventricular total em três pacientes. Não foram observados eventos que comprometessem a integridade da valva aórtica ou provocassem insuficiência aórtica pós-tratamento. Também não se observaram eventos neurológicos, sistêmicos, metabólicos ou hematológicos. O gradiente transvalvar pós-operatório, determinado pelo ecocardiograma, demonstrou melhora no gradiente sistólico e médio. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento demonstrou ser efetivo e seguro, não causando lesão à valva ou algum evento sistêmico. As alterações do sistema de condução parecem relacionadas com o equipamento e seu sistema de liberação da substância de lavagem. A utilização desta tecnologia poderá ser, no futuro, um importante coadjuvante na substituição da valva aórtica por via transcutânea.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the use of new technology in the chemical demineralization of the aortic valve in coronary artery bypass surgery, together with its hemodynamic changes and to report events related to the technique. METHOD: Five patients with mild to moderate aortic stenosis submitted to myocardial revascularization underwent chemical treatment of the aortic valve. The patients' ages ranged from 65 to 81 years, with a mean of 73 years. All were men. One patient had the involvement of a single artery and four multiple arteries (four vessels). The gradient ranged from 13 to 49 mmHg, with a mean of 25 mmHg. The size of the aortic orifice ranged from 0.8 to 1.3 cm², with a mean of 1.1 cm². The following antecedents were observed: arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking. RESULTS: The aorta clamping time ranged from 94 to 126 minutes, with a mean of 107 minutes and the bypass time was from 134 to 171 minutes, with a mean of 152 minutes. The time of surgery was from 13 to 33 minutes with a mean of 28 minutes. No deaths were recorded. The only postoperative complication noted was a total AV block in three patients. No events were observed that might impair the integrity of the aortic valve or cause aortic insufficiency following treatment. Likewise, no neurologic, systemic, metabolic or hematologic events were seen. The postoperative transvalvular gradient identified by echocardiography showed an improvement in the systolic gradient and in the mean gradient. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment proved to be effective and safe, causing no lesions of the valve or any systemic event. The changes in the conduction system appear to be related to the equipment and its system of releasing the lavage solution. The use of this technology may, in the future, be an important adjuvant in aorta valve replacement using percutaneous techniques.

Surgical Results of coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass: analysis of 3, 410 patients

OBJETIVO: Nos últimos anos, tem-se observado um grande avanço na cirurgia de revascularizaçäo miocárdica sem circulaçäo extracorpórea (RMSCEC). Esse desenvolvimento deveu-se à combinaçäo dos avanços da técnica cirúrgica e ao desenvolvimento de instrumentos que possibilitam a realizaçäo deste procedimento nas mais variadas situações. Este é um estudo retrospectivo, que visa avaliar nossa experiência com este procedimento nos últimos 11,5 anos. Os autores enfatizam o rápido progresso do método nos últimos anos, suas indicações, contra-indicações e resultados. MÉTODO: No período de agosto de 1991 e dezembro de 2002, 3.410 pacientes consecutivos, portadores de angina do peito, foram submetidos a cirurgia de revascularizaçäo miocárdica sem circulaçäo extracorpórea. A idade variou de 13 a 93 anos (63 +/- 12,0 anos), sendo 58 por cento dos pacientes do sexo masculino. A angina foi classificada segundo a Canadian Cardiovascular Society, sendo 6,1 por cento na classe I, 6,8 por cento na classe II, 46,3 por cento na classe III e 40,8 por cento na classe IV. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade intra-operatória foi baixa (0,4 por cento). A mortalidade hospitalar (trinta dias de pós-operatório) foi de 2,58 por cento. A mortalidade e morbidade, no grupo dos pacientes octogenários, foram extremamente baixas em relaçäo aos pacientes operados com circulaçäo extracorpórea (2,2 por cento x 12,6 por cento) (p<0,001). As complicações pós-operatórias que näo resultaram em óbito foram de 7,6 por cento. No último ano, näo observamos diferença entre o número de condutos nos pacientes operados com e sem CEC [com CEC 2,8+/-1,2 e sem CEC 2,8+/-0,8 (NS)]. Infarto agudo do miocárdio foi a complicaçäo näo fatal mais freqüente, observada em 2,8 por cento dos pacientes. O tempo médio de permanência na UTI foi de 22,3 horas. CONCLUSÕES: A RMSCEC, usada como técnica de revascularizaçäo em pacientes multiarteriais, é um procedimento reproduzível e apresenta resultados semelhantes aos obtidos com a operaçäo convencional com CEC. Nesta série foi possível revascularizar o miocárdio sem circulaçäo extracorpórea em mais de 95 por cento dos pacientes, tornando assim, a princípio, todos os pacientes, com indicaçäo de revascularizaçäo miocárdica, potenciais candidatos à operaçäo de RMSCEC.

Mitral-aortic annular enlargement: modification of Manouguian's technique

Apresentamos uma modificaçäo técnica para ampliaçäo anular mitro-aórtica. A prótese mitral é implantada pela via retrosseptal, evitando retalhos para fechar o teto atrial esquerdo. Relatamos um implante valvar mitro-aórtico em paciente cujos anéis originais impossibilitariam próteses adequadas. A ampliaçäo pode ser necessária para evitar a inadequaçäo prótese-paciente ou para reconstruir anéis mitral e aórtico destruídos. Esta técnica pode diminuir o risco de sangramento e de vazamento paravalvar, utilizando um acesso bem conhecido por cirurgiöes cardíacos.

How much myocardial revascularization can we do without extracorporeal circulation?

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study is to present a technical alternative that allows myocardial revascularization to be performed on the marginal branches of the circumflex coronary artery without the use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). METHODS: The technique for exposing the coronary vessels is performed by placing a stitch in the posterior pericardium. The surgeon lifts the heart using his or her left hand with the aim of exposing the posterior pericardium. A single polypropylene "O" stitch on a #4 needle is threaded into a cardiac ribbon folded back on itself and run twice through the region between the inferior pulmonary vein and the inferior vena cava. The suture thread is run along a tourniquet-type rubber tube and the latter is then directed down to the pericardium, bringing the cardiac ribbon with it. Handling the thread by means of such a tourniquet and the two parts of the ribbon makes it possible to maneuver the heart into different positions in order to expose the coronary arteries: anterior interventricular, diagonal, circumflex, and right coronary. In the present study, the position exposing the coronary arteries was adopted. The circumflex artery was exposed by separating the two legs of the ribbon and pulling one of them +/- 90 degrees to the right and the other +/- 90 degrees to the left of the patient's main axis, with the polypropylene thread being pulled in the direction of the patient's main axis and fixed in the inferior angle of the surgical wound. RESULTS: From August 1981 to June 1999, 609 patients had their arteries revascularized without the use of ECC. Among this group, 147 patients (24.14%) had the circumflex artery revascularized. Of the 609 patients, 48 (7.88%) presented serious complications and 21 (3.44%) died. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to modify the anatomical position of the heart by exposing the circumflex artery with its marginal obtuse branches and performing anastomosis in a simple manner with no loss of quality or hemodynamic involvement, permitting a complete revascularization without the aid of extracorporeal circulation.

Patient selection in off-cardiopulmonary bypass revascularization.

BACKGROUND: The last few years have been marked by striking advances in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG), thanks mainly to developments in instrumentation and technical progress in the revascularization of the posterior arteries of the heart. In 2001, OPCABG was performed on approximately 20% of patients who underwent surgical myocardial revascularization in the United States. This retrospective study aims to evaluate our experience with this procedure over the past 10 years, emphasizing the rapid and increasing progress of the method, indications, contraindications, and results. METHODS: Between August 1991 and December 2001, 2,759 patients suffering from angina pectoris underwent OPCABG. The patients' ages ranged from 13 to 93 years with a mean of 63 years +/- 12 years. The over 80-year-old group accounted for 3.5% of the patients. Males represented 58% of the patients. RESULTS: Intraoperative mortality in OPCABG was low. In the intraoperative period 0.4% of patients died, and the figure for the postoperative period was 2.5%. It was noted that 7.9% of the patients presented serious, nonfatal complications. CONCLUSIONS: OPCABG is a reproducible procedure with results similar to those obtained in revascularization of the myocardium using extracorporeal circulation (ECC). We believe that over 90% of patients can be operated upon without the aid of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). In our experience, all patients are potential candidates for myocardial revascularization surgery without ECC.

Correção cirúrgica da insuficiência mitral na miocardiopatia dilatada / Surgical correction of mitral insufficiency from dilated cardiomyopathy

Os autores descrevem um caso de paciente com miocardiopatia dilatada e insuficiência cardíaca refratária ao tratamento clínico. A insuficiência mitral era funcional de grau importante. Devidos às dificuldades na obtenção de órgãos e manutenção desse doentes pós-operatórios de transplante cardíaco foi indicada à cirurgia para correção da insuficiência mitral com elevação dos músculos papilares. A cirurgia foi feita de maneira convencional com auxílio da circulação extracorpórea. O pós-operatório foi sem intercorrências, exceto pela necessidade maior de uso de vasopressores. O paciente recebeu alta referindo melhora nos sintomas e fazendo uso cardiotônico, diuréticos e vasopresores. Os autores apresentam uma nova opção cirúrgica menos radical que o transplante cardíaco e que possa apresentar algum grau de melhora para esse grupo de pacientes