The effects of reactive hyperemia on stimulation of endothelium-derived nitric oxide in on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgeries.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on the endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) levels in on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgeries. Forty consecutive patients were divided randomly into two groups depending on use of CPB in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (group 1: n = 20, off-pump, and group 2: n = 20, on-pump). The plasma endothelium-derived NO levels were determined at baseline and after reactive hyperemia before and after surgery. Reactive hyperemia was induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff placed on the upper forearm, for 5 min at 250 mm Hg followed by a rapid deflation. Blood was collected at 1 min after cuff deflation from the radial artery on the same side. Preoperative use of all medications was recorded. The baseline plasma NO levels before operation were 17.10 ± 7.58 in group 1 and 15.49 ± 5.26 nmol/L in group 2. Before operation after reactive hyperemia, the plasma NO levels were 26.97 ± 11.49 in group 1 and 26.57 ± 12.87 nmol/L in group 2. Two hours after surgery, the plasma NO levels at baseline and after reactive hyperemia were not significantly different from each other (group 1: 18.03 ± 6.37 and group 2: 19.89 ± 9.83 nmol/L; group 1: 27.89 ± 18.36 and group 2: 39.13 ± 23.60 nmol/L, respectively; P > 0.05). A positive correlation was shown between preoperative nitroglycerine use and the postoperative plasma NO levels after reactive hyperemia (r = 0.51, P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis was performed (F = 4.10, R = 0.56, R(2) = 0.32, P = 0.008) and the only independent parameter that had an effect on postoperative plasma NO levels after reactive hyperemia was found to be preoperative nitroglycerine use (t = 3.68, P = 0.001). Coronary artery bypass surgery with CPB does not have significant effect on plasma endothelial derived NO levels. The postoperative plasma NO levels after reactive hyperemia significantly correlated with preoperative nitroglycerine use.

Rapid ischemic preconditioning with a short reperfusion time prevents delayed paraplegia in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms can be complicated by a significant incidence of neurogenic deficits due to spinal cord ischemia. In this study, we investigated whether ischemic preconditioning (IPC) improves neurologic outcome in a rabbit model. METHODS: Forty rabbits underwent infrarenal aortic occlusion. The IPC group (n = 20) had 10 minutes of aortic occlusion to induce spinal cord ischemia, 40 minutes of reperfusion, and 30 minutes of ischemia, whereas the control group (n = 20) had only 30 minutes of ischemia. Tarlov scoring (0, paraplegia; 4, normal) was used to evaluate neurologic functions 7 days later, and spinal cord segments (L4-L6) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Complete paraplegia (grade 0) occurred in 15 (75%) of the 20 control animals, whereas in the IPC group, 13 (65%) of 20 animals were completely normal (grade 4) (P < .05). CONCLUSION: IPC is beneficial for protecting against neurologic damage after transient aortic occlusion in a rabbit model; however, the protective mechanisms are not clear.

Right ventricle hydatid cyst requiring tricuspid valve excision.

Hydatid cyst in the heart is uncommon, with cardiac involvement occurring in about 0.4-2% of all hydatid infestations. The right ventricle is only rarely involved accounting for 8% of cases. We report a case of a hydatid cyst located in the right ventricle involving the posterior papillary muscle requiring tricuspid valve excision.

Unique spontaneous unhealed chronic multivessel coronary artery dissection in an elderly man: a case report and review of the literature.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is relatively uncommon. It often occurs in healthy, middle-aged women without overt risk factors for atherosclerosis and is associated with the peripartum period. The pattern and severity of presentation are variable. There are only 5 reports in the literature about multivessel involvement. The etiopathogenesis of SCAD is unclear. Treatment strategy is not standard but is usually tailored to clinical features. Long-term survival of patients with SCAD who have had no problem at the initial event is good. The authors report the first case of unhealed chronic multivessel SCAD in the literature.

Treatment of Brucella endocarditis: our surgical experience with 6 patients.

BACKGROUND: Endocarditis is a rare but life-threatening complication of brucellosis. Its mortality rate has recently been reduced with the use of combined medical and surgical treatment. METHODS: Between March 2002 and April 2004, 6 patients with Brucella endocarditis underwent surgery at the Siyami Ersek Cardiovascular Center in Istanbul, Turkey. The diagnosis of Brucellosis was based on the presence of clinical signs and symptoms compatible with brucellosis, serology and/or a positive blood culture. All patients with suspected Brucella endocarditis were studied by echocardiography. The diagnosis of Brucella endocarditis was made in accordance with Duke's criteria. RESULTS: The most commonly affected valve was the aortic valve (4 patients). Four patients had prosthetic valves because of a previous history of rheumatic fever. In 5 patients, elective surgery was performed. Five patients underwent valve replacement with prosthetic valves, but 1 patient underwent excision of the abscess cavity without valve replacement. There was no operative mortality. All patients continued antibiotic treatment for at least 3 months postoperatively. The median duration of follow-up after surgery was 12 months. During the follow-up period, 1 patient died, while the others remained alive with no recurrences. CONCLUSION: Prosthetic valve replacement is a safe procedure in patients with Brucella endocarditis. Surgical interventions combined with triple antibiotic therapy yield good results with no recurrence in the long-term follow-up.

Thirty-seven-year durability of a Starr-Edwards aortic prosthesis: case report and brief review of the literature.

We report the case of a patient who was diagnosed with prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. He had undergone aortic valve replacement with a Starr-Edwards prosthesis 37 years earlier Because of uncontrolled infection despite antibiotic treatment, the patient underwent successful surgical replacement of the prosthetic valve.

Pulmonary endarteritis and subsequent embolization to the lung as a complication of a patent ductus arteriosus--a case report.

The authors describe a case of pulmonary endarteritis and subsequent embolization to the lungs as a complication of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Although 2-dimensional echocardiography has been shown to be of great value in the diagnosis of patients with infective endocarditis, echocardiographic detection of vegetation within the pulmonary artery and subsequent embolization to the lung is extremely rare and, to our knowledge, has been previously reported only in a few cases. In brief, our case not only shows the importance of echocardiography in making this rare diagnosis but also emphasizes the role of echocardiography as an effective means of following up such a case.

Aberrant right ventricular branch of right coronary artery with mitral valve prolapse.

A 37-year-old man presented with a three-week history of chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a mitral valve prolapse and mild mitral insufficiency. Coronary angiography showed normal left main, circumflex, left anterior descending and right coronary arteries; however, the right ventricular branch of the right coronary artery had a separate ostium. Concomitant congenital heart abnormalities have been observed with coronary artery anomalies. Primary congenital coronary and valvular anomalies may have genetic heredity. In the present case, mitral valve prolapse was accompanied by a right ventricular coronary artery origin anomaly which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first report in the literature in which both anomalies presented together.

Does homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance have a predictive value for post-coronary artery bypass grafting surgery outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate whether pre-operative Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) value is a predictor in non-diabetic coronary artery bypass grafting patients in combination with hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. METHODS: Eighty one patients who were admitted to Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic at our hospital between August 2012 and January 2013 with a coronary artery bypass grafting indication were included. Patients were non-diabetic with <6.3% hemoglobin A1c and were divided into two groups including treatment and control groups according to normal insulin resistance (HOMA-IR<2.5, Group A; n=41) and high insulin resistance (HOMA-IR>2.5, Group B; n=40), respectively. Pre-operative fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured and serum chemistry tests were performed. The Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance values were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR values between the groups. Cross-clamping time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time were longer in Group B, compared to Group A (P=0.043 and P=0.031, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that hemoglobin A1c was not a reliable determinant factor alone for pre-operative glucometabolic evaluation of non-diabetic patients. The risk factors of fasting blood glucose and cardiopulmonary bypass time were more associated with high Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance levels. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that preoperative screening of non-diabetic patients with Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance may improve both follow-up visit schedule and short-term outcomes, and may be useful in risk stratification of the high-risk population for impending health problems.

Comparison of superior septal approach with left atriotomy in mitral valve surgery.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes of superior transseptal approach with the conventional left atriotomy in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. METHODS: Between January 2010 and November 2012, a total of 91 consecutive adult patients (39 males, 52 females; mean age: 54.0±15.4 years; range, 16 to 82 years) who underwent mitral valve surgery in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at Kosuyolu Training Hospital were included. The patients were randomized to either superior transseptal approach (n=47) or conventional left atriotomy (n=44). Demographic characteristics of the patients, comorbidities, additional interventions, intraoperational data, pre- and postoperative electrophysiological study findings, and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of all patients, 86.7% (n=79) were in New York Heart Association Class III, while 12 were in New York Heart Association Class IV. All patients underwent annuloplasty (42.9%) or valve replacement surgery (57.1%). There was no significant difference in pre- and postoperative electrocardiogram findings between the groups. Change from baseline in the cardiac rhythm was statistically significant in superior transseptal approach group alone (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate between the groups. Permanent pacemaker implantation was performed in 10.6% of the patients in superior transseptal approach group and 4.5% in the conventional left atriotomy group. No statistically significant difference in bleeding, total length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, the presence of low cardiac output syndrome was observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that superior transseptal approach does not lead to serious or fatal adverse effects on sinus node function or atrial vulnerability, compared to conventional approach.

Validation of EuroSCORE II risk model for coronary artery bypass surgery in high-risk patients.

INTRODUCTION: Determining operative mortality risk is mandatory for adult cardiac surgery. Patients should be informed about the operative risk before surgery. There are some risk scoring systems that compare and standardize the results of the operations. These scoring systems needed to be updated recently, which resulted in the development of EuroSCORE II. In this study, we aimed to validate EuroSCORE II by comparing it with the original EuroSCORE risk scoring system in a group of high-risk octogenarian patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study included only high-risk octogenarian patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting in our center between January 2000 and January 2010. Redo procedures and concomitant procedures were excluded. We compared observed mortality with expected mortality predicted by EuroSCORE (logistic) and EuroSCORE II scoring systems. RESULTS: We considered 105 CABG operations performed in octogenarian patients between January 2000 and January 2010. The mean age of the patients was 81.43 ± 2.21 years (80-89 years). Thirty-nine (37.1%) of them were female. The two scales showed good discriminative capacity in the global patient sample, with the AUC (area under the curve) being higher for EuroSCORE II (AUC 0.772, 95% CI: 0.673-0.872). The goodness of fit was good for both scales. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that EuroSCORE II has better AUC (area under the ROC curve) compared to the original EuroSCORE, but both scales showed good discriminative capacity and goodness of fit in octogenarian patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Successful emergency double valve repair operation during acute aortic dissection type A.

Reconstructive valve surgery in acute aortic dissection type A (AADTA) remains challenging. We describe a case of successful combined repair of the aortic and mitral valves, and replacement of the ascending aorta after AADTA with aortic and mitral insufficiency. Mitral valve repair was achieved by quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet, combined with ring annuloplasty. Aortic valve repair was achieved by Cabrol commissural sutures with resuspension of the annulus. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful and an echocardiogram revealed competent mitral and aortic valves. Mitral and aortic valve repair is an option in AADTA with mitral and aortic valve insufficiency.

Treatment of Brucella endocarditis: 15 years of clinical and surgical experience.

BACKGROUND: Brucella endocarditis is a life-threatening complication of human brucellosis. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effects of combined medical and surgical treatment in the midterm to long term. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 13 patients (mean age 44 +/- 18 years; 8 males) who were operated on from January 1993 to June 2009. Duke criteria were used for the diagnosis of endocarditis. The primary endpoint was defined as the overall mortality and readmission to the hospital during early and late follow-up periods. The other collected data included baseline and follow-up clinical findings, along with echocardiographic and laboratory measurements. RESULTS: No patients died in the early period (up to 1 month) and 2 patients (15.3%) died during the late follow-up period. Aortic valve disease was observed in 11 of 13 patients (85%). The most commonly performed procedure was aortic valve replacement (10 of 13 patients; 77%) during a mean follow-up period of 95 +/- 60 months (range, 10 to 184; median, 74). CONCLUSIONS: For Brucella endocarditis, perioperative antibiotic therapy combined with surgical treatment (prosthetic valve replacement) has satisfactory results and increases the quality of life in the long-term follow-up.

Does Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance have a predictive value for post-coronary artery bypass grafting surgery outcomes? / O Modelo de Avaliação da Homeostase da Resistência à Insulina tem valor preditivo para os resultados após a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica?

Objective: This study aims to investigate whether pre-operative Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) value is a predictor in non-diabetic coronary artery bypass grafting patients in combination with hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. Methods: Eighty one patients who were admitted to Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic at our hospital between August 2012 and January 2013 with a coronary artery bypass grafting indication were included. Patients were non-diabetic with <6.3% hemoglobin A1c and were divided into two groups including treatment and control groups according to normal insulin resistance (HOMA-IR<2.5, Group A; n=41) and high insulin resistance (HOMA-IR>2.5, Group B; n=40), respectively. Pre-operative fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured and serum chemistry tests were performed. The Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance values were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR values between the groups. Cross-clamping time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time were longer in Group B, compared to Group A (P=0.043 and P=0.031, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that hemoglobin A1c was not a reliable determinant factor alone for pre-operative glucometabolic evaluation of non-diabetic patients. The risk factors of fasting blood glucose and cardiopulmonary bypass time were more associated with high Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance levels. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that preoperative screening of non-diabetic patients with Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance may improve both follow-up visit schedule and short-term outcomes, and may be useful in risk stratification of the high-risk population for impending health problems. .

Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar se a resistência de valor do Modelo de Avaliação da Homeostase da Resistência à Insulina (Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance - HOMA-IR) no pré-operatório é um preditor de revascularização do miocárdio para pacientes não diabéticos em combinação com a hemoglobina A1c, glicemia em jejum e insulina. Métodos: Oitenta e um pacientes que foram internados no serviço de Cirurgia Cardiovascular em nosso hospital entre agosto de 2012 e janeiro de 2013, com indicação para cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio indicação foram incluídos. Os pacientes não diabéticos com <6,3% de hemoglobina A1c foram divididos em dois grupos, incluindo os grupos de tratamento e controle de acordo com a resistência à insulina normal (HOMA-IR <2,5, Grupo A, n=41) e alta resistência à insulina (HOMA-IR> 2,5, Grupo B, n=40), respectivamente. Glicemia de jejum pré-operatório e insulina foram medidas e testes de química do soro foram realizados. Os valores de HOMA-IR foram calculados. A análise estatística foi realizada. Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em jejum de valores de glicose no sangue e HOMA-IR entre os grupos. Tempo de pinçamento e tempo de circulação extracorpórea foi maior no grupo B, em relação ao Grupo A (P=0,043 e P=0,031, respectivamente). A análise de regressão logística revelou que hemoglobina A1c não foi um fator determinante para a avaliação confiável sozinho glicometabólico pré-operatória de pacientes não diabéticos. Os fatores de risco de glicemia de jejum e tempo de circulação extracorpórea foram associados com altos níveis do HOMA-IR. Conclusão: ...

Comparison of superior septal approach with left atriotomy in mitral valve surgery / Comparação da abordagem septal superior com atriotomia esquerda em cirurgia valvar mitral

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes of superior transseptal approach with the conventional left atriotomy in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Methods: Between January 2010 and November 2012, a total of 91 consecutive adult patients (39 males, 52 females; mean age: 54.0±15.4 years; range, 16 to 82 years) who underwent mitral valve surgery in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at Koşuyolu Training Hospital were included. The patients were randomized to either superior transseptal approach (n=47) or conventional left atriotomy (n=44). Demographic characteristics of the patients, comorbidities, additional interventions, intraoperational data, pre- and postoperative electrophysiological study findings, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Of all patients, 86.7% (n=79) were in New York Heart Association Class III, while 12 were in New York Heart Association Class IV. All patients underwent annuloplasty (42.9%) or valve replacement surgery (57.1%). There was no significant difference in pre- and postoperative electrocardiogram findings between the groups. Change from baseline in the cardiac rhythm was statistically significant in superior transseptal approach group alone (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate between the groups. Permanent pacemaker implantation was performed in 10.6% of the patients in superior transseptal approach group and 4.5% in the conventional left atriotomy group. No statistically significant difference in bleeding, total length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, the presence of low cardiac output syndrome was observed between the groups. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that superior transseptal approach does not lead to serious or fatal adverse effects on sinus node function or atrial vulnerability, compared to conventional approach. .

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é comparar os resultados clínicos da abordagem septal superior com a atriotomia esquerda convencional em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia valvar mitral. Métodos: Entre janeiro de 2010 e novembro de 2012, foi incluído um total de 91 pacientes adultos consecutivos (intervalo de 16 a 82 anos, média 54,0±15,4 anos; 39 homens, 52 mulheres) submetidos à cirurgia valvar mitral no Serviço de Cirurgia Cardiovascular no Hospital Training Koşuyolu. Os pacientes foram randomizados para abordagem septal superior (n=47) ou atriotomia esquerda convencional (n=44). Foram registradas características demográficas dos pacientes, comorbidades, intervenções adicionais, dados intraoperatórios, achados do estudo eletrofisiológico pré e pós-operatório e complicações pós-operatórias. Resultados: Do total de pacientes, 86,7% (n=79) estavam na Classe III e 12 na Classe IV da New York Heart Association. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à anuloplastia (42,9%) ou cirurgia de troca valvar (57,1%). Não houve diferença significativa nos resultados do eletrocardiograma pré e pós-operatórios entre os grupos. Mudança da linha de base no ritmo cardíaco foi estatisticamente significativa apenas no grupo abordagem septal superior (P<0,001). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na taxa de mortalidade entre os grupos. Marca-passo definitivo foi implantado em 10,6% dos pacientes no grupo abordagem septal superior e em 4,5% dos pacientes no grupo atriotomia esquerda convencional. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa no sangramento, tempo total de internação e de permanência na UTI, tendo sido observada síndrome de baixo débito cardíaco entre os grupos. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem que a ...

Surgical treatment of left-sided prosthetic valve thrombosis: short and long-term results.

We report a single center experience of surgical treatment of 30 cases of left-sided prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). In our series, a diagnosis of PVT was established based on clinical and echocardiographic examinations. Thrombosis was the major etiologic factor in 25 patients (83.3%), while 22 of 25 patients (88%) had a subtherapeutic anticoagulation level. The early hospital mortality rate was 7.1% in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes II - III, and 31.3% in NYHA functional class IV. The median interval from the surgical procedure to follow-up for these patients was 29.2 months. No recurrence or deaths were observed during 3 to 73 months following the surgical procedure.

Blood pressure changes after aortic coarctation surgery performed in adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aortic coarctation surgery in adult patients on arterial blood pressure in the early postoperative period. METHODS: Ninety-three adult patients (61 male, 32 female) aged 15-43 years who had operation since 1962 for aortic coarctation in Siyami Ersek Cardiovascular Surgery Center were retrospectively evaluated. Tube graft interposition was done in 31 patients; resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed in 32 patients; 24 patients had undergone pathchplasty; and 6 patients by-pass shunting performed. The effect of surgery on the blood pressure was investigated. RESULTS: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly reduced after operation (systolic 193.6 +/- 33.7 mmHg vs 147.4 +/- 22.0 mmHg, diastolic 99.8 +/- 17.9 mmHg vs 82.0 +/- 10.8 mmHg). From 93 patients (all with hypertension) 54 (58%) became normotensive after operation according to VIth Joint National Committee classification. The number of normotensive patients after operation was 28 (of 37) for 15-19 years age group, 14 (of 23) for the 20-24 years age group, 4 (of 16) for 25-29 years age group, 6 (of 11) for 30-34 years age group, and 2 (of 6) for the over 35 years old age group. CONCLUSION: The diastolic and systolic blood pressures reduce significantly in the adult patients operated for aortic coarctation. On the other hand, persistent hypertension seemed to increase in the older age groups in spite of the surgery.

A case of successfully treated inferior vena cava injury.

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the most frequently injured retroperitoneal vascular structure. Despite the improvements in preoperative care and operation techniques, mortality rates for inferior vena cava injuries are still high due to delayed or inadequate volume recussitation, difficulty of diagnosis and technical problems in repair. A 1.5-cm sized wound at the IVC was primarly repaired by suturing. Because of appropriate and successful perioperative blood and fluid resuscitation, the patient was able to survive. We report a case of successfully treated IVC injury caused by a gunshot.

Pulmonary and aortic valve endocarditis in an adult patient with silent patent ductus arteriosus.

Pulmonary and aortic valve endocarditis are uncommon especially in an adult patient with patent ductus arteriosus. A 27-year-old woman diagnosed with pulmonary and aortic valve endocarditis underwent surgical treatment. Here, we report our clinical and surgical experience in treating a case of double valve endocarditis with clinically silent patent ductus arteriosus.