European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1993
Effect of peri-operative storage solution on the vascular reactivity of the human saphenous vein.
The performance of the saphenous vein as a bypass conduit in myocardial revascularisation may, in part, be determined by its vascular reactivity. The present study investigates whether the choice of peri-operative storage solution influences the response of this vessel to a range of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. Saphenous vein ring segments (210) were obtained from 24 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, and following a 1 h incubation in either (1) heparinised blood, (2) heparinised saline, (3) 199-TC solution, (4) St. ⋯ None of the solutions had a significant effect on the potency (EC50) of the constrictors. Relaxations of pre-constricted segments were recorded to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, but there was no difference in efficacy or potency in these responses following storage in the different solutions. This study demonstrates that the choice of peri-operative storage solution may influence the vascular reactivity of the human saphenous vein.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1993
Comment Letter Comparative Study Clinical TrialIntercostal nerve block, interpleural analgesia, thoracic epidural block or systemic opioid application for pain relief after thoracotomy?
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1993
Case ReportsDelayed brachial plexus paralysis due to subclavian pseudoaneurysm after clavicular fracture.
Injuries to the brachial plexus and subclavian artery are serious complications of shoulder girdle trauma. Due to the close anatomical relationship between the brachial plexus and the subclavian artery in the thoracic outlet, both structures are often simultaneously involved in shoulder girdle injuries. Isolated lesions of the subclavian artery or the brachial plexus can also occur, especially with clavicular fractures. When a false subclavian aneurysm leads to a gradually increasing compression of the brachial plexus, the neurological signs and symptoms develop insidiously after the traumatic event.