Recommendations for Validation of Real-Time PCR Methods for Molecular Diagnostic Identification of Botanicals.

Background: PCR methods are the most commonly used DNA-based identity tool in the commercial food, beverage, and natural health product markets. These methods are routinely used to identify foodborne pathogens and allergens in food. Proper validation methods for some sectors have been established, while there are none in other markets, such as botanicals. Results: A survey of the literature indicates that some validation criteria are not addressed when developing PCR tests for botanicals. Objective: We provide recommendations for qualitative real-time PCR methods for validating identity tests for botanical ingredients. Methods: These include common criteria that underpin the development and validation of rigorous tests, including (1) the aim of the validation test, (2) the applicability of different matrix variants, (3) specificity in identifying the target species ingredient, (4) sensitivity in detecting the smallest amount of the target material, (5) repeatability of methods, (6) reproducibility in detecting the target species in both raw and processed materials, (7) practicability of the test in a commercial laboratory, and (8) comparison with alternative methods. In addition, we recommend additional criteria, according to which the practicability of the test method is evaluated by transferring the method to a second laboratory and by comparison with alternative methods. Conclusions and Highlights: We hope that these recommendations encourage further publication on the validation of PCR methods for many botanical ingredients. These properly validated PCR methods can be developed on small, real-time biotechnology that can be placed directly into the supply chain ledger in support of highly transparent data systems that support QC from the farm to the fork of the consumer.

Vasodilatory efficacy and impact of papaverine on endothelium in radial artery predilatation for cabg surgery: in search for optimal concentration

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different papaverine concentrations (0.5 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml) for vasospasm prevention and their impact on endothelium integrity. Methods: We have studied distal segments of radial arteries obtained by no-touch technique from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients (n=10). The vasodilatory effect of papaverine (concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml) was assessed in vitro, in isometric tension studies using ex vivo myography (organ bath technique) and arterial rings precontracted with potassium chloride (KCl) and phenylephrine. The impact of papaverine on endothelial integrity was studied by measurement of the percentage of vessel's circumference revealing CD34 endothelial marker. Results: 2 mg/ml papaverine concentration showed stronger vasodilatatory effect than 0.5 mg/ml, but it caused significantly higher endothelial damage. Response to KCl was 7.35±3.33 mN for vessels protected with papaverine 0.5 mg/ml and 2.66±1.96 mN when papaverine in concentration of 2 mg/ml was used. The histological examination revealed a significant difference in the presence of undamaged endothelium between vessels incubated in papaverine 0.5 mg/ml (72.86±9.3%) and 2 mg/ml (50.23±13.42%), P=0.002. Conclusion: Papaverine 2 mg/ml caused the higher endothelial damage. Concentration of 0.5 mg/ml caused better preservation of the endothelial lining.

Vasodilatory Efficacy and Impact of Papaverine on Endothelium in Radial Artery Predilatation for CABG Surgery: in Search for Optimal Concentration.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different papaverine concentrations (0.5 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml) for vasospasm prevention and their impact on endothelium integrity. METHODS: We have studied distal segments of radial arteries obtained by no-touch technique from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients (n=10). The vasodilatory effect of papaverine (concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml) was assessed in vitro, in isometric tension studies using ex vivo myography (organ bath technique) and arterial rings precontracted with potassium chloride (KCl) and phenylephrine. The impact of papaverine on endothelial integrity was studied by measurement of the percentage of vessel's circumference revealing CD34 endothelial marker. RESULTS: 2 mg/ml papaverine concentration showed stronger vasodilatatory effect than 0.5 mg/ml, but it caused significantly higher endothelial damage. Response to KCl was 7.35±3.33 mN for vessels protected with papaverine 0.5 mg/ml and 2.66±1.96 mN when papaverine in concentration of 2 mg/ml was used. The histological examination revealed a significant difference in the presence of undamaged endothelium between vessels incubated in papaverine 0.5 mg/ml (72.86±9.3%) and 2 mg/ml (50.23±13.42%), P=0.002. CONCLUSION: Papaverine 2 mg/ml caused the higher endothelial damage. Concentration of 0.5 mg/ml caused better preservation of the endothelial lining.

The combined use of transmyocardial laser revascularisation and intramyocardial injection of bone-marrow derived stem cells in patients with end-stage coronary artery disease: one year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There are a growing number of patients with end-stage coronary artery disease (CAD) and refractory angina. Angiogenesis may be induced by intramyocardial injection of autologous bone marrow stem cells, intensified by inflammation around channels performed by laser. AIM: To assess the effect of a combined treatment consisting of transmyocardial laser revascularisation (TLMR) and intramyocardial injection of bone-marrow derived stem cells (bone marrow laser revascularisation, BMLR) in patients with refractory angina one year after the procedure. METHODS: Five male patients (age 49-78 years) with end-stage diffuse CAD, severe angina (CCS III/IV) despite intensive medical therapy and disqualified from prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention were included. After heart exposure, at sites where CABG was impossible, TMLR was performed with the Holmium: YAG laser combined with injection of 1 mL of bone marrow concentrate into the border zone of a laser channel using a Phoenix handpiece. RESULTS: No deaths in the follow-up period were observed. All patients were in I CCS Class. One year after the procedure,left ventricular (LV) segments treated by BMLR tended to demonstrate stronger myocardial thickening compared to baseline(53.0 ± 7.5% vs. 45.0 ± 9.5%; p = 0.06). Using late gadolinium-enhanced imaging, new myocardial infarction was found after one year only in one LV segment treated by BMLR. The BMLR treated regions in the remaining subjects, as well as regions subtended by left internal thoracic artery in two subjects, did not show new myocardial infarction areas. In contrast,all subjects who underwent only BMLR procedure revealed new and/or more extensive myocardial infarct in regions not treated by BMLR. CONCLUSIONS: Intramyocardial delivery of bone marrow stem-cells together with laser therapy is a safe procedure, with improvement in quality of life during follow-up. One year after the procedure, myocardial regions where BMLR was performed tended to demonstrate stronger myocardial thickening observed in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Clinical outcome of arterial myocardial revascularization using bilateral internal thoracic arteries in diabetic patients: a single centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: The use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) grafting has been documented to be advantageous over left internal thoracic artery (LITA) grafting. It has been shown to significantly improve clinical outcomes and increase long-term survival in patients with diabetes. However, harvesting BITAs may result in a greater risk of superficial wound infection (SWI) or deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) and cardiovascular complications (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events; MACCE) in such a patient group. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of SWI or DSWI and cardiovascular events in a series of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients who underwent BITA grafting vs LITA grafting. METHODS: A total of 147 patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes underwent isolated CABG at John Paul II Hospital. Of these, 38 procedures were performed using BITA grafting and 109 with LITA-saphenous vein grafting. RESULTS: MACCE were similar in bilateral groups (7.9%--BITA group and 9.2%--LITA group). No significant difference was found in mortality and length of stay between bilateral groups. The MACCE risk factor was age. The incidence of SWI and DSWI and sternal re-fixation did not differ between the BITA or LITA groups (5.2 vs 9.1%, 5.2 vs 7.3% and 5.2 vs 6.4%). The risk factors for DSWI were age (odds ratio 3.47, P = 0.032 for every 10 years) and body mass index >30 kg/m(2). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative complications do not increase with the use of BITAs in this group of diabetic patients. There are no statistically significant differences in the number of superficial or deep wound infections or number of sternal resuturing between the BITA and LITA groups.

Calcium-dependent NOX5 nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase contributes to vascular oxidative stress in human coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine the expression and activity of the calcium-dependent nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) in human atherosclerotic coronary arteries. BACKGROUND: The NOX-based NADPH oxidases are major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human vessels. Several NOX homologues have been identified, but their relative contribution to vascular ROS production in coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear; NOX5 is a unique homolog in that it is calcium dependent and thus could be activated by vasoconstrictor hormones. Its presence has not yet been studied in human vessels. METHODS: Coronary arteries from patients undergoing cardiac transplantation with CAD or without CAD were studied; NOX5 was quantified and visualized using Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Calcium-dependent NADPH oxidase activity, corresponding greatly to NOX5 activity, was measured by electron paramagnetic resonance. RESULTS: Both Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated a marked increase in NOX5 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in CAD versus non-CAD vessels. Calcium-dependent NADPH-driven production of ROS in vascular membranes, reflecting NOX5 activity, was increased 7-fold in CAD and correlated significantly with NOX5 mRNA levels among subjects. Immunofluorescence showed that NOX5 was expressed in the endothelium in the early lesions and in vascular smooth muscle cells in the advanced coronary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: These studies identify NOX5 as a novel, calcium-dependent source of ROS in atherosclerosis.

Efficacy of intra-operative radiofrequency ablation in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation undergoing concomitant mitral valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is present before operation and persists after surgery in 30-40% of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Using the maze procedure, 75-82% of patients can be cured of AF, but the procedure is difficult and long lasting. Percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation has emerged as an effective therapy for AF in recent years. AIM: To assess the efficacy of intra-operative RF ablation of AF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. METHODS: 100 adults with permanent AF underwent mitral valve replacement. Patients were divided into two groups: the RF group--50 patients qualified for mitral valve replacement and RF ablation; and the control group--50 patients selected for mitral valve replacement without ablation. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were examined to assess the influence of several factors on the outcome (free from AF during one-year follow-up based on symptoms and serial Holter ECG recordings). RESULTS: Baseline clinical, demographic and echocardiographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Electrical cardioversion following surgery was required in 76% of patients from the RF group compared with 94% from the control group (p<0.002). In those who underwent cardioversion, sinus rhythm was restored more frequently in RF than control patients (32 vs. 16%, p<0.002). Sinus rhythm at hospital discharge was present in 56% of RF patients compared with 22% of controls (p=0.0001), and after one-year follow-up in 54 vs. 16% (p<0.001), respectively. The use of amiodarone was significantly lower in RF patients compared with controls (32 vs. 70%, p<0.05). NYHA class III (OR 8.5, CI 1.0-394) or IV (OR 36, CI 1.2-1958) and left atrial diameter >6 cm (OR 9.3, CI 0.5-5230) were identified as predictors of AF. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-operative RF ablation performed in the left atrium in patients with chronic AF undergoing mitral valve replacement significantly improves sinus rhythm restoration rate. Advanced heart failure (NYHA class IV) and left atrial diameter >6 cm are negative prognostic factors for sinus rhythm maintenance.

Different reactivity of the proximal and distal segments of the radial artery to vasoconstrictors in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Complete arterial revascularisation using the radial artery (RA) is an attractive alternative to venous graft implantation for the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In spite of the favourable long-term results of this approach, the sensitivity of RA to vasoconstriction and spasm is still limiting its use. It has been suggested that vasospastic properties of the artery may differ depending on the location (proximal or distal). AIM: To compare the vasoreactive properties of proximal and distal sections of RA grafts. METHODS: Proximal and distal segments of RA were obtained from 27 patients undergoing CABG and isometric recordings of changes in smooth muscle force were performed mounted in the organ bath. Responses to cumulatively increasing concentrations of phenylephrine (PE), angiotensin II (AT-II), prostaglandin F2 (PGF2) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) were evaluated. RESULTS: Both proximal and distal segments of RA constricted in response to KCl, PE, AT-II, PGF2 and ET-3. Proximal segments demonstrate significantly greater spastic response to KCl, as well as to receptor-mediated agonists PE and more importantly vasoactive peptide AT-II. These differences remained statistically significant after correcting for vessel size and weight. In contrast, reactivity of both segments of RA to increasing cumulative doses of PGF2 and ET-3 was similar. CONCLUSION: Proximal segments of the radial artery are more susceptible to vasoconstriction induced by PE and AT-II, which should be taken into consideration in the clinical setting of CABG surgery. Increased muscle content in this segment does not fully explain this difference, which may result from varying receptor density and properties.

[Use of the harmonic scalpel for harvesting radial artery as a conduit for myocardial revascularization]. / Zastosowanie noza harmonicznego do pobierania tetnicy promieniowej w chirurgicznej tetniczej rewaskularyzacji serca.

Radial artery (RA) as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was introduced in 1973 by Carpantier and within two years its use was abondoned because of high incidence of narrowing and occlusion. The reason for early RA's graft failure became clear in the late 1980s and it was its propensity for vasospasm. In recent years in conjuction with availability of antispasm agents and less invasive harvesting techniques, the RA is increasingly used for CABG. The RA has become the second arterial graft of choice after the internal thoracic artery, mainly because of its promising patency rates. In order to avoid graft traumatization less invasive techniques have been introduced lately. The purpose of this paper was to asses the clinical effect of harvesting RA with the use of the Harmonic Scalpel. We examined the results of this technique among 140 patients operated in our Department in years 2005 and 2006.

Markers of pulmonary hypertension in potential candidates to heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 320-480 ARU resistant to therapy is a contraindication for orthotopic heart transplantation (HTX). AIM OF THE STUDY: evaluation of pulmonary hypertension in candidates for heart transplantation. STUDY POPULATION AND METHODS: 44 patients (pts) with dilated cardiomyopathy (Group I) and 34 patients with ischemic heart disease (Group II) were assessed. Evaluation of PH was done according to the following protocol: 1st measurement (cardiac catheterization): PVR (pulmonary vascular resistance) > or = 320 ARU--infusion of NTG (nitroglycerine) 1 microg/kg/min. (during 10 min.), 2nd measurement: PVR > or = 320 ARU--infusion of NTG 2 microg/kg/min. (during 10 min.), 3rd measurement: final PVR evaluation. If PVR was less than 320 ARU in 2nd or 3rd measurement, the reversibility of PH was diagnosed, and when PVR > or = 320 ARU was observed in 3rd measurement, fixed PH was diagnosed. RESULTS: No significant difference in baseline PVR between the groups was observed (Group I--332,7 ARU and Group II--327.6 ARU). In 23 patients with PVR > or = 320 ARU reduction of mean values of PVR, MPAP (mean pulmonary artery pressure) and TPG (transpulmonary gradient) was seen (p < 0.001), significantly more prominent in 11 pts from Group I. There was no correlation between duration of the disease and degree of PH. HTX was performed in 25 patients. PVR at 72 hours after HTX was similar in 7 pts with reversible PH and 18 pts with PVR < 320 ARU in 1st measurement. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Nitroglycerine used according to the protocol is sufficient in determining PH. 2. The reversibility of PH could depend on type of cardiomyopathy but not directly on symptom duration.

Systemic regulation of vascular NAD(P)H oxidase activity and nox isoform expression in human arteries and veins.

OBJECTIVE: Impaired endothelial function, characterized by nitric oxide scavenging by increased superoxide production, is a hallmark of vascular disease states. However, molecular mechanisms regulating superoxide production in human blood vessels remain poorly defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared endothelial function, vascular superoxide production, and the expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits in arteries and veins from patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery (n=86). Superoxide release was similar in arteries and veins. Inhibitor studies revealed that the NAD(P)H oxidase system was a quantitatively and proportionately greater source of superoxide in veins, whereas xanthine oxidase also contributed significantly to superoxide production in arteries. Moreover, NAD(P)H oxidase molecular composition differed in veins and arteries; veins expressed more nox2 and p22phox, whereas the relative expression of nox4 was greater in arteries. However, there were strong correlations between p22phox and nox4 expression and between superoxide production, NAD(P)H oxidase activity, and endothelial function in arteries and veins from the same patient. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with coronary artery disease, changes in vascular superoxide production, endothelial function, and NAD(P)H oxidase activity and expression are related in veins and arteries. These findings highlight the importance of systemic effects on the molecular regulation of the NAD(P)H oxidases in human vascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by increased superoxide production. NAD(P)H oxidase activity and endothelial function are correlated in veins and arteries in coronary artery disease, suggesting regulation by systemic factors. The expression of the NAD(P)H oxidase subunits p22phox and nox4, although different in veins and arteries, are also correlated.

Indications for reoperation for valvular prosthesis dysfunction in urgent and elective patients.

OBJECTIVES: Comparison analysis of indications for operation, early clinical outcomes and hospital mortality between patients reoperated for valvular prosthesis dysfunction urgently and electively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of 94 patients (pts) reoperated for valve prosthesis dysfunction at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology in Kraków, Poland between January 1999 and December 2002. RESULTS: Valvular reoperation was elective procedure in 69 pts (73.4%)--group A: 46 males (M), 23 females (F), age 23-71 (av. 51.31 +/- 10.2). Urgent operation was performed in 25 pts--group B: 17 M, 8 F, age 29-77 years (av. 5.41 +/- 13.26). In group B: 9 patients underwent reoperation for dysfunction of aortic valve (2 allogenic, 7 mechanical), 13 pts for mitral valve dysfunction and 3 pts for both aortic and mitral valve dysfunction. In group A: 24 pts for mitral valve dysfunction, 37 pts for aortic valve dysfunction (25 allogenic, 12 mechanical) and 8 pts for both aortic and mitral valve dysfunction. In group B: 16 pts (64%) were operated in NYHA class IV; 8 in cardiogenic shock; on which 8 pts with active endocarditis, 3 pts with sepsis and 1 patient in septic shock. Average operative risk calculated as Euroscore was 30.86 in group B and 13.15 in group A (p<0.05). Overall hospital mortality was 12.6% (12 pts). In group B: 7 pts died (28%), 3 pts due to multiorgan failure, 1 patient due to sepsis, 2 pts due to aorta rupture and 1 due to left ventricle rupture during cardiopulmonary rescuscitation. In group B 5 pts died (7.2%). CONCLUSION: Patients reoperated urgently for valve prosthesis dysfunction were in worse preoperative state, had significantly higher preoperative risk and in hospital mortality than patients reoperated electively.

Dysfunction of primary aortic valve prosthesis--allogenic versus mechanical--preoperative differences.

OBJECTIVES: Comparison of preoperative characteristics between patients reoperated for allogenic and mechanical aortic valve prosthesis dysfunction. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of 47 patients reoperated for aortic valve prosthesis dysfunction at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology in Kraków, Poland between January 1999 and December 2002. RESULTS: In analyzed group 27 patients were operated for dysfunction of allogenic valve (Gr. A), 20 pts for mechanical valve (Gr. B). Group A: 21 males (M), 6 females (F), age 23-68 years old (av. 47.10 +/- 11.71); Group B: 18 M, 2 F, age 38-77 (av. 54.73 +/- 11.03), p<0.05. Time between operations in group A was 69-258 months (av. 164.34 +/- 66.02) months and in group B 0.5-348 months (av. 77.27 +/- 98.29) p<0.01. In group A, 5 pts and in group B, 7 pts were in NYHA group IV preoperatively. Echocardiography revealed that diastolic left ventricular dimension (LVDD) was larger in group A: av. 6.7 cm and 5.36 cm in group B, p<0.05. 2 pts from group A and 7 pts from group B were operated urgently (p<0.05), including 3 pts with aortic dissection. Definite infective endocarditis was diagnosed in 6 pts from group A and 11 pts from group B, p<0.05. In group A, 1 patient was urgently operated for infective endocarditis with vegetations, he died due to multiorgan failure. In group B, 6 pts died including all 3 with aortic dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients reoperated for allogenic aortic valve prosthesis dysfunction are: younger, reoperated after a much longer period of time with slower valve dysfunction progress (larger LVDD), most frequently reoperated electively, less frequently with endocarditis as the cause of valve dysfunction than in patients reoperated for mechanical aortic valve dysfunction.

[Left ventricular systolic function in patients with refractory angina pectoris treated with percutaneous myocardial laser revascularisation, results of long-term follow-up]. / Kurczliwosc lewej komory serca u pacjentów z oporna na leczenie postacia choroby niedokrwiennej serca poddanych przezskórnej laserowej rewaskularyzacji--wyniki obserwacji odleglej.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous myocardial laser revascularisation (PMLR) has been developed for treatment of patients with refractory angina pectoris. This study was designed to evaluate long-term impact of PMLR on left ventricular systolic function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients with refractory angina pectoris who underwent PMLR were studied with dobutamine stress echocardiography before procedure, at early follow-up after 1-3 months and at long-term follow-up after 2-3 years post procedure. Wall motion score index (WMSI) and ejection fraction (EF) were calculated at rest as well during infusion of dobutamine with low and high rate. RESULTS: Mean WMSI at rest decreased significantly from 1.71 +/- 0.24 before PMLR to 1.55 +/- 0.21 at early follow-up (p=0.0189) and 1.48 +/- 0.26 (p=0.009) at long-term follow-up. Mean WMSI during low-rate dobutamine infusion decreased significantly from 1.39 +/- 0.29 to 1.25 +/- 0.25 (p=0.0276) at early follow-up, but was not significantly different in long-term. Mean WMSI during high-rate dobutamine infusion decreased significantly from 1.83 +/- 0.21 before PMLR to 1.56 +/- 0.2 at early follow-up and 1.57 +/- 0.29 (p<0.03) at long-term evaluation. Mean EF at rest increased significantly from 48 +/- 8.6% before PMLR to 56.9 +/- 7.9% (p=0.0189) at early follow-up. At long-term follow-up mean EF at rest was 52.7 +/- 8.3% and was not significantly different from baseline. Mean EF during low-rate dobutamine infusion was not significantly different from baseline both at early and long-term follow-up. Mean EF during high-rate dobutamine infusion increased significantly from 44.5 +/- 8.6% before PMLR to 58.1 +/- 7.0% (p=0.0093) at early follow-up while in long-term it was 51.3 +/- 9.8%, which was not significantly different from baseline. These changes were accompanied by significant decrease of mean CCS score from 3.52 +/- 0.51 before procedure to 2.54 +/- 0.78 (p<0.0001) after 1 month and 2.78 +/- 0.65 after 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with refractory angina pectoris treated with PMLR significant early improvement of systolic left-ventricular function is observed with trend toward improvement in long-term. It is accompanied with significant long-term angina relief.

Reoperation after fresh homograft replacement: 23 years' experience with 655 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Through a retrospective study on the use of fresh homografts in 655 aortic valve replacement patients over a period of 23 years, we aimed to assess the reasons for eventual reoperation and causes of valve dysfunction. METHODS: Between January 1980 and December 2002, 655 patients received fresh homografts. All homografts were antibiotic sterilized and stored at 4 degrees C. During this time, 139 patients (116 male and 23 female) with a mean age of 46.7 years (range 18-72) required reoperation. RESULTS: The 30-day hospital overall mortality was 2.87%. The mean durability for all homografts was 12.4+/-4.54 years (1 month to 23 years). The cumulative rates for freedom from reoperation for any cause were 94.09+/-2% at 5 years and 87.9%+/-4% at 10 years, 76.6 at 15 years, 49.55 at 20 years. The major cause of valve dysfunction and indication for reoperation was degeneration in 111 patients (79.8%). Predominant aortic valve insufficiency in 87 patients (62.5%) and predominant stenosis in 24 patients (17.26%). Endocarditis occurred in 21 patients (15.1%). Early endocarditis was diagnosed in five patients (3.59%), late endocarditis in 16 patients (11.5%). Additional causes for reoperation included ascending aortic aneurysm, mitral valve insufficiency and congestive cardiomyopathy. Seventeen patients (12.2%) required concomitant procedures. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in six cases (4.3%), mitral valve replacement in five cases (3.59%), mitral valve annuloplasty in six (4.3%). The primary reoperative procedure was artificial/mechanical aortic valve implantation. In five cases, St. Jude Medical conduit grafts were implanted due to ascending aortic aneurysms. Homograft reimplantation was performed in four cases. One patient underwent mitral valve replacement and one patient received a heart transplant. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that reoperation in patients with aortic homografts is a low-risk procedure as compared to alternative therapies. Primary allograft aortic valve replacement can give acceptable results for up to 23 years. The major cause of valve dysfunction and indication for reoperation was degeneration. Cumulative rates for freedom from reoperation for any cause in age groups suggest careful selection and indications in homograft implantation in the younger patients. Young age is a risk factor for an early homograft structural deterioration (degeneration).

[Radiofrequency ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve replacement]. / Ablacja RF u pacjentów z przewleklym migotaniem przedsionków poddanych zabiegom wymiany zastawki mitralnej.

The most frequent arrhythmia is an atrial fibrillation, which involves 10% of population over 70. The mortality in this group is 2 times higher than in general population. Moreover, if the atrial fibrillation co-exists with the rheumatic disease, the risk of the brain embolism is growing up 17 times. In the many European medical centers, intraoperative ablation is the obligatory procedure performed during mitral valve replacement/mitral valvuloplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting. Results of that procedure (in experienced centers) are evaluated on 75%. It reduces significantly the cost of the farther pharmacological treatment and improves the quality of life of the patients. In our Clinic ablation is performed in patients qualified to the mitral valve replacement or mitral valvuloplasty. All procedures are performed in extracorporeal circulation, in general and local hypothermia, with using crystal cardioplegine. Before the clumping of the aorta, on the beating heart ablation in the right atrium is performed. After that, the aorta is being clumped and the heart is being stopped. The left cardiac auricle is being cut off. Then the ablation around the ostia of the pulmonary veins is being done. After that, mitral valve replacement or mitral valvuloplasty procedure is being performed. Changes in the heart wall are transmural through the full wall. From the December 2001 till today 4 ablation procedures were done. Units Cobra (Boston Scientific) and Cardioblate Surgical Ablation System (Medtronic) were used. Both units are based on the unipolar energy with frequency similar to the radio-waves. After this procedure, regular rhythm came back in our 4 patients. Advantages of the intraoperative ablation are: simultaneous procedure with open heart operation, reduction of the price of the treatment, minimal risk of complication.