Does harvesting of radial artery in the early postoperative period perturb the palmar blood supply and functions?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to assess whether the removal of the radial artery (RA) caused any alteration in the function or power of hand on postoperative 15th day. METHODS: The study group included 25 patients with objective or subjective complaints on postoperative 15th day regarding harvest site following coronary bypass surgery by using RA. Patients were examined for bilateral forearm function (soft touch and pin-prick neural sensation, handgrip power). The ulnar artery and palmar arcus Doppler measurements such as peak systolic and end-diastolic velocity, and radius of the arteries have been measured both at rest and following handgrip test. The operated arm was evaluated and compared with the opposite arm. Wilcoxon test was used to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: Among 18 patients complained a loss of sense in the RA excised arm, the sensory defects were documented in 5. Among 7 patients presented with a feel of strength loss, handgrip power revealed a nonsignificant decrease of strength in the harvested arm. After squeezing test, ipsilateral ulnar artery peak systolic velocity increased from 86+/- 15 to 105+/- 15 cm/sec (<0.001), end-diastolic flow velocity from 28+/- 5 to 36+/- 8 cm/sec (<0.001) without any change in the ulnar artery radius. In contrast, no significant change in the flow velocity and the diameter of palmar arcus was noted before and after squeezing test. The comparison of the ulnar artery radius and blood flow velocity parameters in the RA excised arm to those of contralateral one after exercise test demonstrated no difference. CONCLUSIONS: With an assumption of appropriate selection, removal of RA does not change the forearm blood supply and functions with little sensory disturbances in the early postoperative period.

Coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with malignancy: a single-center study with comparison to patients without malignancy.

BACKGROUND: There is debate on the timing and outcome of coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with coincident malignancy. In this study, we compared the outcome of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in such patients with those without malignancy. METHODS: The patients were selected from those who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery in the last decade. The study group (group I) included the patients with malignancy in remission. The control group comprised those patients who were selected randomly from those without any malignancy. The patients were retospectively examined with regard to preoperative, operative, and postoperative data from personal files, computerized recording system, and operation reports. RESULTS: Group I included 48 patients (age 48 to 69; 29 male) while group II included 50 patients (age = 38 to 73; 35 male). In group I, comorbidity rates were: renal dysfunction in 12 (25%), obstructive lung disease 10 (21%), congestive failure in four (8%) patients. The malignancy rates were: lung in 15 (31%), breast in 10 (21%), stomach in five (10%), colon in four (8%), renal in one (2%), Hodgkin's lyphoma in three (6%), leukemia in two (4%), ovarian in three (6%), and prostate in five (10%) patients. In group II, the comorbidity rates were: diabetes mellitus 18 (36%), renal dysfunction in five (10%) and obstructive lung disease in 13 (26%) patients. In group I, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were performed in 38 and 34 patients, respectively. In groups I and II, the CABG was elective in 47 (98%) and in 45 patients (90%); the off-pump surgery was performed in 27 (56%) and 12 (24%) patients, respectively. The total duration of bypass was 37 +/- 6 minutes and 44 +/- 5 minutes; the duration of aortic clamp was 26 +/- 4 and 29 +/- 7 minutes, respectively, in groups I and II. Posoperative complication rates were: infection in 12 (25%), bleeding in eight (17%), acute renal insufficiency in eight (17%), prolonged air escape in five (10%), and prolonged entubation in 17 (35%) patients in group I and atrial fibrillation in 11 (22%) patients in group II. Mortality rates in both groups were two (4%). CONCLUSION: CABG in patients with comorbid malignancy is as safe as the other patients. In patients with full remission of malignancy, the surgeons should be encouraged about the safety of CABG.

Novel intubation technique for transesophageal echocardiographic examination.

Pharyngeal intubation is a challenging problem during transesophageal procedures. The rate of unsuccessful intubation varies from 1.5 to 1.9%. In this article, we described a novel technique, which we utilize in our hospital for the difficult intubations without any technical failure for the insertion of the transesophageal probe.

Harvesting of the radial artery: subfasciotomy or full skeletonization: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Long fasciotomy of the posterior aspect of the radial artery (RA) for the purpose of sympathectomy is one of the surgical techniques for the preparation of this graft. We compared the early results of this technique with those of the RA graft harvested as a pedicle in the conventional fashion. METHODS: The study patients have been selected from the patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the RA graft harvested either with a long posterior fasciotomy (group 1) or as a whole with a pedicle in the classical manner (group 2). Only the patients with a flow study have been included. The flow index was described as the bleeding amount of the RA in a minute per body surface area (mL/m2 min). The flow index has been performed before and after fasciotomy in group 1, and after full skeletonization in group 2. The clinical and demographic parameters and flow indices were measured and compared between the groups, and in group 1, before and after fasciotomy. RESULTS: From 218 patients with CABG using the RA between January 1998 and August 2005, a total of 57 patients were recruited into the study. Group 1 consisted of 25 patients. Thirty-two patients constituted group 2. Subfascial dissection of the RA increased the blood flow index from 48 +/- 20 mL/m2 min to 51 +/- 19 mL/m2 min (p < 0.001). The comparison of the clinical, perioperative characteristics of the patients was not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The necessity of total skeletonization of the RA should not be the only option when the aim is to reduce the spasm. While subfascial dissection (sympathectomy) of the pediculed RA alone provides a satisfactory increase in the blood flow index, it also reduces the manipulation time as well as the risk of injury to the graft.

Familial Mediterranean fever attacks do not alter functional and morphologic tissue Doppler echocardiographic parameters.

The aim of this study is to investigate the tissue Doppler echocardiographic (TDE) characteristics of acute familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) attack on young Turkish males. Thirty-four young males with FMF were investigated utilizing echocardiography both before and after FMF attacks. Echocardiographic findings were assessed by two cardiologist utilizing Vingmed system V echocardiography machine and a 2.5 MHz probe by two-dimensional and color Doppler examination, as well as tissue Doppler parameters. The incidence of pericardial effusion was found to be 23.3% during acute FMF attack. There was no significant difference between the patients in attack-free period and attack period with respect to TDE measurements. TDE measurements did not differ between the patients with and without pericardial effusion. There was no correlation between pericardial effusion and disease duration, family history, and physical findings. In conclusion, our results suggest preserved systolic and diastolic ventricular functions in attack period. Pericardial effusion is not associated with impaired TDE parameters.

[Missed aortic transection following blunt trauma: a case report]. / Künt travmaya bagli farkedilmeyen aort transeksiyonu: olgu sunumu.

Missed vascular injuries following blunt traumas can lead to fatal clinical conditions that require an emergency intervention. Aortic transection (AT) is the most fatal complication of these missed vascular injuries. In this case report an AT that developed following a blunt trauma is presented. The patient was admitted with effort dyspnea and tachycardia. He had a history of blunt trauma three years ago. There was an enlargement of the upper mediastinum on X-ray studies. Thoracal magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed aneurysm of the descending aorta. Dacron graft interposition was performed as surgical treatment. The symptom and signs disappeared dramatically after the operation.

Combination sedoanalgesia with remifentanil and propofol versus remifentanil and midazolam for elective cardioversion after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in up to 50% of cardiac surgery patients and represents the most common postoperative arrhythmic complication. Elective cardioversion, a short but painful procedure, remains an option for patients who do not convert to sinus rhythm with medical therapy. Combinations of remifentanil (a potent analgesic with a short elimination time) with propofol (a hypnotic agent) or midazolam (a sedative agent) produce a synergistic interaction. This study was undertaken to compare these combinations in terms of effectiveness and pain relief when given as sedoanalgesia for elective cardioversion. In this prospective, randomized trial, 60 adult patients with postoperative AF after coronary artery bypass grafting were given a single dose of propofol 1 mg/kg combined with remifentanil 0.1 microg/kg (group 1), or midazolam 0.05 mg/kg combined with remifentanil 0.1 microg/kg (group 2). Cardiorespiratory parameters were monitored and recorded. Demographic data were similar (P>.05) and sufficient sedoanalgesia and successful cardioversion were achieved in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters revealed no significant differences between groups (P>.05); however, induction time, time to eye opening, recuperation time, and time to full recovery of psychomotor function were faster in group 1 than in group 2 (P<.05). The remifentanil/propofol combination provided sufficient analgesia, satisfactory hemodynamic stability, and mild respiratory depression, along with faster recovery and discharge times from the intensive care unit.

A new echocardiographic index for assessing left ventricular function and mechanism of mitral regurgitation and its relation to other echocardiographic indices.

OBJECTIVE: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a progressive disease of the mitral valve, which can be primary or functional. The assessment of left ventricular function in MR is still troublesome. In this study, we evaluated the validity of a new parameter, total dt, in patients with MR. METHODS: Forty patients with severe MR constituted the study group. According to the transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation, the patients were dichotomized into two groups: (1) Primary MR; n = 21, (2) Functional MR; n = 19. The total dt was defined as the sum of time intervals from 1 msto 3 ms (positive dt) and from 3 ms to 1 ms (negative dt) on the CW Doppler recording of MR jet. It was compared to other indices of left ventricular function and left ventricular geometry, including ejection fraction, fractional shortening, myocardial performance index, coaptation distance, left ventricular volume and diameter, sphericity index, and parameters of diastolic function. RESULT: The total dt correlated with myocardial performance index, coaptation distance, and sphericity index. It could differentiate between primary and functional MR with an area under curve of 0.878, followed by myocardial performance index with 0.860. The total dt > 104 ms was 79% sensitive and 81% specific for discrimination. CONCLUSION: The total dt is useful for assessing left ventricular function and also for differentiating primary MR from functional MR.

A complication of coronary angiography: fractured and retained intraaortic catheter.

The complications linked directly to coronary artery catheter itself are very rare. We presented a case in which the broken right coronary artery catheter was successfully removed from the ascending aorta. The removal of catheter was accomplished via an aortic incision, which was created for saphenous vein graft in the site of anastomosis during an emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We believe that a broken catheter in the aorta is a catastrophic event, which could be removed safely in the operating room even with concomitant bypass surgery.

Diagnostic and surgical approach to a descending thoracic aorta saccular aneurysm case.

Descending aorta saccular aneurysms are seen less than fusiform aneurysms. All symptomatic saccular aneurysms must be operated. In this study, we present a saccular aneurysm case developed at the descending aorta 1 year after a motor vehicle crash. Following an aorta-LAD saphenous vein graft anastomosis performed in beating heart, the aneurysm neck was closed with a Dacron patch under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. All signs and symptoms removed dramatically after the operation. Regarding this case, we recommend that the surgical treatment must be performed in accordance with localization and specialties of aortic aneurysms.

[Factors affecting the morbidity and mortality of surgical management of vascular gunshot injuries: missed arterial injury and disregarded vein repair]. / Atesli silahla olusan vasküler yaralanmalarin cerrahisinde morbidite ve mortaliteyi etkileyen faktörler: Gözden kaçan arteryel yaralanma, ihmal edilmis ven tamiri.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to establish the clinical course and importance of missed arterial injuries and disregarded venous repair after surgery for gunshot injuries. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on the operative results of 275 shotgun vascular injury patients' presented to our clinic between January 1992 and December 2004. All patients were analyzed from their medical files and operative notes. The incidence of missed arterial injuries and ignored venous repair, localization and type of vascular complications, limb loss and mortality outcomes were documented. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (27.27%) for a delayed diagnosis of a missed arterial injury and 91 patients (33.09%) for an ignored venous repair were treated. Complications of missed arterial injuries were determined as followings: false aneurysm n=43 (57.33%), arteriovenous fistula n=20 (26.66%), occlusion n=12 (16%). The missed vascular injury was most commonly observed in superficial femoral artery (n=20). The venous injury was present in 167 patients. Complications of disregarded venous repair were determined as venous edema and deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Missed arterial injuries and disregarded venous repairs during initial diagnosis or operation affect the morbidity and mortality in gunshot injury patients. After haemodynamic stabilization, gunshot patients should be evaluated by arteriography and venography to determine the anatomic localization of vascular injuries. All vascular continuity should be restored either by primary repair or by an autolog graft. All venous injuries located in popliteal and femoral area should be repaired.

[Superior vena cava syndrome caused by dialysis catheter]. / Diyaliz kateterinin neden oldugu vena kava süperior sendromu: Olgu sunumu.

The superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an uncommon complication due to permanent hemodialysis catheters. Herein we present a case with superior vena cava syndrome resulting from dialysis access catheter placed in the subclavian vein. The patient was admitted with typical signs and symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome. Angiography revealed obstruction of the superior vena cava with thrombosis. Surgical repair consisted of thrombectomy and patch repair of superior vena cava with autologous pericardium. The complaints and symptoms of the patient decreased dramatically following the operation. In view of this case, we do think that creating an early arteriovenous fistula should be kept in mind to minimize the use of dialysis catheter.

Eleven-year experience in diagnosis and surgical therapy of right atrial masses.

BACKGROUND: Tumors arising from the right atrium are quite rare, and require special care during differential diagnosis for their management. A review of surgical experience with right atrial tumors in 11 patients from our institution has been presented in this article. METHODS: Eleven cases, operated for a tumor mass in the right atrium in our institution between January 1993 and December 2004, were retrospectively reviewed for their clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, method of surgical procedure, and histopathologic findings. Electrocardiogram, transthoracic, and transesophageal echocardiography, computerized tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging were available for all patients during the diagnostic evaluation. Surgical procedure notes, photos, and file recordings were reviewed when available. The surgeons were also interviewed when necessary. RESULTS: Right atrial tumors were diagnosed in 11 patients (6 males and 5 females). The average age of the patients was 34 +/- 11 years (ranging between 21 and 65 years). The histopathological examination of the surgically removed specimen revealed a benign tumor in eight patients (73%), and a malignant process in three (23%). In eight patients with a benign tumor, atrial myxoma was the leading cause in half of the cases. Hydatid cyst (n = 2), lipoma (n = 1), and right atrial thrombus (n = 1) were detected in the remaining four patients. One patient died of heart failure after surgery. The diameters of the excised masses were 2 +/- 0.5 cm versus 7 +/- 1 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Tumors of the right atrium are rarely seen, and necessitate a unique attention during the process of diagnosis and surgical treatment. We present our surgical experience of 11 patients with right atrial mass. The differentiation of the right atrial tumors with the diagnostic tools before surgery, the determination of the spreading, and the structural properties of the mass may designate surgical approach and prognosis.

Is the visual examination of LIMA graft sufficient for the decision reusing of this graft in redo coronary bypass surgery?

Redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) compromises a growing proportion of CABG in the current era of revascularization. Intimal hyperplasia at the site of anastomosis between left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and left anterior descending artery (LAD) is not infrequently reported causing severe ischemic symptoms in some patients. An additional grafting to distal LAD territory is a proper decision for the surgical strategy in most of the cases. Radial artery or venous grafts have been used for this purpose. Shortage of arterial grafts is the major concern in redo coronary surgery. Whether the previously anastomosed LIMA can be used is a major question in decision-making process. In this case report, we presented a complicated patient in whom LIMA was not reused although visual or angiographical examination was normal.

Muscle sparing thoracotomy in pediatric age: a comparative study with standard posterolateral thoracotomy.

Alternative approaches to the standard posterolateral incision for thoracotomy have been developed to minimize its postoperative pain and wound related side effects. Muscle-sparing (MS) thoracotomy has been a well-known substitution to the standard posterolateral thoracotomy for this purpose; however it has not been studied in the pediatric age group in detail. We studied retrospectively the patients with thoracotomy for non-cardiac, thoracic surgical procedures. Group 1 included the patients with standard posterolateral thoracotomy for the surgery. The patients with MS thoracotomy composed group 2. The related data were collected retrospectively. The early postoperative morbidities (time requiring for regaining shoulder girdle movement, extubation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay) and late musculoskeletal anomalies (scoliosis, elevation of the shoulder, winged scapula, asymmetry of the nipples) were compared between groups. A total of 90 patients were included in the study. Group 1 constituted 50 patients with an average age of 4.24 +/- 2.91 years. Group 2 included 40 patients with an average age of 4.20 +/- 2.92 years. Comparison of the demographics and the baseline characteristics of the patients were not different between groups. In comparison of operative characteristics, there was lesser morbidity in group 2 as re-exploration for bleeding, wound infection, wound healing and fewer intensive care unit and hospital stay days. Late follow-up revealed a significant increase in musculoskeletal deformities in group 1. We conclude that muscle-sparing incision should be preferred to the standard posterolateral thoracotomy in pediatric age.

Tricuspid insufficiency does not increase early after permanent implantation of pacemaker leads.

BACKGROUND: Interference between pacemaker (PM) lead and tricuspid apparatus may cause tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, data regarding TR in patients with implanted PM are controversial. Our aim is to find out the degree of TR in a group of patients before and following PM implantation in a prospective manner. METHODS: The study group consisted of the patients referred for implantation of permanent PM or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). All patients underwent two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic evaluation before and after device implantation. The severity of TR was qualitatively classified into four groups as normal or trivial, mild, moderate, or severe. All studies were reviewed for accuracy by a second independent interpreter. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients (mean age 53 +/- 8 years, 44 male) referred for PM (n = 55) or ICD (n = 6) implantation consisted of the study population. Echocardiographic degree of TR was mild in 21 (70%), moderate in 7 (23%) and severe in 2 (7%) patients before PM implantation. Following device implantation, mild TR was noted in 23 (76%), moderate in 10 (33%), and severe in 2 (6%) cases. After the procedure, the TR severity was increased from normal/trivial to mild in 5 (16%) cases and from mild to moderate in 3 (10%). There was no worsening of the severity of TR in patients with moderate regurgitation following device implantation. The severity of TR did not change at a mean follow-up of 6 +/- 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: New or worsening TR is relatively rare after PM implantation. It is not associated with an acute worsening or clinical deterioration. But echocardiographic follow-up is recommended to monitor other complications in chronic phase.