The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Semirigid partial annuloplasty band allows dynamic mitral annular motion and minimizes valvular gradients: an echocardiographic study.
Traditional mitral annuloplasty devices include both rigid rings, which restrict annular motion, and soft rings and bands, which can locally deform. Conflicting data exist regarding their impact on annular dynamics. We studied mitral annuloplasty with a semirigid partial band and with a nearly complete rigid ring. ⋯ Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic measurements of annular dynamics are valid and reliable when discrete annuloplasty devices are present. In contrast to the rigid ring, the semirigid partial band permits more physiologic geometric changes and is associated with lower postoperative mitral valve gradients.
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Comparative Study
Does off-pump CABG reduce gastrointestinal complications?
The aim of this study was to compare gastrointestinal complications and associated risk factors among patients undergoing cardiac surgery using off- and on-pump revascularization techniques. ⋯ The incidence rates of gastrointestinal complications were similar in the on- and off-pump coronary artery bypass groups, the type of gastrointestinal complications, however, was different. Mortality rate due to these complications was also similar and remained high, regardless of the type of surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass did not emerge as a risk factor for gastrointestinal complications, but prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (longer than 98 minutes) resulted in a high incidence of such complications. Old age and advanced arteriosclerosis emerged as risk factors in both groups resulting in gastrointestinal complications suggesting the ischemic nature of the injury.
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The purpose of this study was to perform midterm evaluation of the clinical performance of the Sorin Bicarbon mechanical heart valve prosthesis. ⋯ The Sorin Bicarbon valve is a satisfactory mechanical valve prosthesis with low mortality and morbidity and good functional results.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Off-pump versus on-pump myocardial revascularization in low-risk patients with one or two vessel disease: perioperative results in a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
To evaluate hospital mortality and morbidity after myocardial revascularization in a prospective and multicenter study, comparing on-pump versus off-pump in a special subset of patients with lesions in the left descending artery, alone or associated with the right coronary artery. ⋯ We did not find any statistical difference in hospital mortality and morbidity using on-pump or off-pump techniques for low-risk patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Methylene blue reduces mortality and morbidity in vasoplegic patients after cardiac surgery.
The discovery of nitric oxide as mediator in cardiac postoperative vasoplegia encourages the use of inhibitory drugs such as methylene blue. This drug has been used with favorable results in isolated cases. The purpose of this article is to analyze the incidence of the postoperative vasoplegic syndrome, to consider its prognosis, and to evaluate the effect of intravenous methylene blue on mortality. ⋯ Vasoplegic postoperative syndrome was seen in 8.8% of all patients. Outcome in patients with vasoplegia was worse with increased morbidity and mortality. The use of methylene blue reduced the high mortality in this population.