European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialBeta-blockade versus Buckberg blood-cardioplegia in coronary bypass operation.
Continuous perfusion of the coronary arteries with beta-blocker (esmolol)-enriched normothermic blood during cardiac surgery has been suggested as an alternative technique for myocardial protection. The aim of the present study was to compare the beta-blocker technique to Buckberg's blood cardioplegia during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ⋯ Our data demonstrate that application of the beta-blocker technique during routine CABG was associated with slightly better functional recovery and less structural myocardial alteration as compared with intermittent cold blood cardioplegia, however, both techniques provided equivalent myocardial protection in terms of patient outcome. Future studies are required to investigate if myocardial ischemia minimization by use of the beta-blocker technique may be beneficial in compromized hearts.
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There has been a gradual increase in the number of elderly patients referred for cardiac surgery. These patients present a difficult challenge, they are usually symptomatic yet at high risk for intervention. The aim of this study is to review our experience with cardiac surgery in patients aged 80 years or older. ⋯ Cardiac surgery can be performed in a selected elderly population with a low operative mortality. Post-operatively elderly patients attain an excellent quality of life and survival. Emergency and mitral surgery in this group of patients is less rewarding.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA clinical comparative study between crystalloid and blood-based St Thomas' hospital cardioplegic solution.
Myocardial protection with blood cardioplegia during cardiac surgery is increasingly preferred, but few studies have compared the protective effects of crystalloid cardioplegia to the same solution with blood as the only variable. This clinical study compared the protective effects of crystalloid or blood-based St. Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution No. 1. ⋯ In a higher risk (EF < 40%) group of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, addition of blood to an established crystalloid cardioplegic solution significantly enhanced myocardial protection by reducing arrhythmias, improving rate of recovery of function and maintaining myocardial high-energy phosphate content during ischaemia.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1999
Case ReportsPulmonary artery bullet injury following thoracic gunshot wound.
Thoracic trauma occurs frequently but seldom requires surgery (10-20%, [1]). The mortality rate for gunshot wound of the chest varies from 14.3 to 36.8% [2]. ⋯ This patient had previous history of coronary surgery. Absolute and relative indications for exploratory thoracotomy in emergency will be reviewed.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1999
Letter Comparative StudyIs hypothermia necessary in pediatric cardiac surgery?