The Thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon
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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Apr 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialThe Preventive Effects of Posterior Pericardiotomy with Intrapericardial Tube on the Development of Pericardial Effusion, Atrial Fibrillation, and Acute Kidney Injury after Coronary Artery Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.
Pericardial effusion (PE), atrial fibrillation (AF), and acute kidney injury (AKI) are commonly found after coronary artery surgery. These adverse events may also be interwoven in the postoperative period. In this prospective study, we investigated whether posterior pericardiotomy (PP) with intrapericardial tube positioned along the right atrium (pericardial space intervention) is effective in the prevention of these adverse events. ⋯ The PP with intrapericardial tube approach is safe, easy, and effective in the prevention of PE, cardiac tamponade, and AF. The use of this approach may reduce the risk of developing AKI during the postoperative period. Besides, this technique also reduces the length of hospital stay.
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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Apr 2016
One-Year Patency of Valvulotomized Vein Grafts Is Similar to That of Arterial Grafts.
Inferior vein graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is attributed to various factors. Venous valves may limit flow, cause thrombus formation, and diminish diastolic backflow. The aim of our study was to compare clinical outcome and midterm patency rate of valvulotomized vein grafts and arterial grafts in patients undergoing CABG. ⋯ Patients with valvulotomized venous grafts had good clinical outcome. The one-year patency rate of those grafts is comparable to that of arterial grafts. However, long-term results and angiography studies will be needed to strengthen these findings.