European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Aug 2000
Comparative StudyA novel modification of elephant trunk technique using a single four-branched arch graft for extensive thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Surgical repair for the extensive thoracic aortic aneurysm remains unsatisfactory, especially in elderly patients. We developed a total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique under moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and selective brain perfusion, in which a 4-branched arch graft with a sewing 'collar' enabled the distal anastomosis just proximal to the innominate artery with open distal method and a long 'elephant trunk' was inserted into the descending aorta by the forceps catheter via the femoral artery. This modification is easy and less invasive, and reduces the risk of postoperative complications.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Aug 2000
Comparative StudyIschemic spinal cord injury induced by aortic cross-clamping: prevention by riluzole.
Recent studies confirmed the deleterious role of glutamate in the pathophysiology of spinal cord ischemia induced by aortic cross-clamping. We investigated the effect of riluzole, an anti-glutamate drug, in a rat model of spinal cord ischemia. ⋯ Riluzole may protect the spinal cord in a setting of severe ischemia by preventing neuronal necrosis and apoptosis. This drug may therefore be considered for clinical use during 'high risk' surgical procedures on the thoracoabdominal aorta.