The Thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon
-
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Feb 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialCardiopulmonary bypass copolymer surface modification reduces neither blood loss nor transfusions in coronary artery surgery.
Surface-modifying additives (SMA) have been suggested for improving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit biocompatibility, potentially minimizing inflammatory complications and bleeding associated with CPB. The purpose of this prospective, randomized clinical study was to compare a novel copolymer surface-modified CPB circuit (SMARXT; COBE Cardiovascular) against the unmodified circuit. ⋯ Our results show that the surface-modified CPB circuit decreased neither blood loss nor transfusions despite slightly better platelet function preservation compared to the unmodified circuit. This type of CPB circuit surface modification does not appear to improve clinical outcome in low-risk coronary artery surgery patients.
-
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Feb 2002
Comparative StudyMid-term results of aortic valve preservation: remodelling vs. reimplantation.
Valve-preserving root replacement has become an accepted alternative to composite replacement both in dissection and in aneurysmal disease. We retrospectively analysed 5-year results comparing root remodelling and reimplantation procedures. ⋯ Five-year results are comparable and encouraging for remodelling and reimplantation procedures. If the initial valve function and geometry is adequate, the chance of secondary failure beyond the first year is minimal.
-
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Feb 2002
The effects of L-carnitine on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits.
Paraplegia after distal aortic aneurysm repair remains a persistent clinical problem. We hypothesized that the tolerance of the spinal cord to an ischemic period could be improved with hypothermic Ringer's Lactate containing L-Carnitine. ⋯ In this model, the infusion of hypothermic Ringer's Lactate contained L-carnitine provided sufficient spinal cord protection against ischemia. Clinically, this may be a useful adjunct for prevention of paraplegia during surgery of the descending aorta.