Texas Heart Institute journal
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Case Reports
Acute aortic dissection early after off-pump coronary surgery: true frequency underestimated?
Since the adoption of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB), numerous investigators have compared its short- and long-term results with those of on-pump coronary bypass surgery. Some reports of OPCAB were quite favorable, whereas others were critical, claiming that it resulted in incomplete revascularization and reduced venous graft patency. A potentially serious complication of OPCAB, not heretofore sufficiently confronted, is the increased incidence of early postoperative acute aortic dissection, in comparison with the more familiar intraoperative and late-occurring aortic dissection after conventional on-pump bypass surgery. ⋯ Prevention lies in the strict control of systolic blood pressure during the performance of proximal anastomoses; avoidance of aortic clamping through the use of sequential all-arterial grafts or new-generation mechanical connectors; and, at times, aggressive replacement of the aorta with a prosthetic graft. Herein, we present the cases of 4 patients who sustained acute aortic dissection early after OPCAB. We review the pertinent medical literature.
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Bronchopleural fistula and empyema are serious complications after thoracic surgical procedures, and their prevention is paramount. Herein, we review our experience with routine prophylactic use of the pedicled ipsilateral latissimus dorsi muscle flap. From January 2004 through February 2006, 10 surgically high-risk patients underwent intrathoracic transposition of this muscle flap for reinforcement of bronchial-stump closure or obliteration of empyema cavities. ⋯ Two patients retained peri-flap air that required no surgical intervention. We conclude that the use of transposed pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap effectively and reliably prevents clinically overt bronchopleural fistula and recurrent empyema. We advocate its routine use in first-time and selected reoperative thoracotomies in patients who are undergoing high-risk lung resection or reparative procedures.
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The Starfish Heart Positioner aids off-pump coronary artery surgery in adult patients by providing posterior cardiac exposure without incurring hemodynamic instability. Herein, we describe its use in a 17-month-old girl who had a right coronary artery fistula that drained to the right ventricle. ⋯ The patient was discharged from the hospital 2 days postoperatively. Six weeks later, she was well, and echocardiography showed no residual fistulous flow.
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The incidence of arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction of the inferior wall varies with the affected segment and increases when there is right ventricular involvement. This paper provides a clear review of the blood supply to the conduction system and gives an anatomic explanation of that supply. We dissected 20 human hearts after anterograde and retrograde injection of latex. ⋯ The incidence of arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction of the inferior wall is greater when the occlusion of the coronary trunk is at or near the origin. This is due to the existence of the right superior descending artery, which is given off by the right coronary trunk less than 1 cm from the origin. The arrhythmias caused by the occlusion of the circumflex artery are due to the existence of Kugel's artery, which displays a peculiar anastomotic pattern.
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Ischemic mitral regurgitation, a complication of myocardial infarction, is associated with a poor prognosis and can result in postinfarction congestive heart failure. The preferred treatment of its chronic form is a matter of debate. Herein, we report the early and midterm results in 44 patients with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation in whom concomitant mitral ring annuloplasty and coronary revascularization were performed at our hospital. ⋯ At the last follow-up echocardiographic examinations, performed a mean 13.14 +/- 4.66 months after the surgical procedures (range, 6-22 mo), the 40 surviving patients were found to have significantly reduced left ventricular end-diastolic (P = 0.029) and end-systolic (P < 0.05) diameters and improved New York Heart Association functional class (P = 0). Despite a risk of residual regurgitation, mitral ring annuloplasty appears to be a good treatment alternative in selected patients who have chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. We discuss the procedure's rate of hospital mortality, and its potentially positive impact on survival.