European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2002
Case ReportsEchocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve replacement with subvalvular preservation.
We describe two cases of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve replacement with complete retention of the subvalvular apparatus. The first patient deteriorated immediately after insertion of a high-profile bioprosthesis. ⋯ The clinical course of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve replacement with complete retention of the subvalvular apparatus may differ greatly. Evaluation of the left ventricular outflow tract by perioperative transesophageal echocardiography or epicardial echocardiography is essential in the prevention and treatment of this complication.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2002
Stented elephant trunk procedure combined with ascending aorta and arch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection.
Despite steadily improving outcomes, surgery for acute type A aortic dissection has several unresolved problems such as expansion of the residual false lumen in the descending aorta. We performed transaortic stented graft implantation into the descending aorta combined with the ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection. We review the efficacy and outcomes of this procedure with respect to the residual false lumen and postoperative neurologic complications we encountered. ⋯ Implantation of a stented elephant trunk into the descending aorta combined with replacement of the ascending aorta and total arch for acute type A aortic dissection is effective in closing the residual false lumen of the descending aorta and in preventing expansion of the descending aorta. However, further technical modifications, such as using a short stented elephant trunk, eliminating aortic clamping, shortening CPB and spinal cord ischemic time, and reconstruction of left subclavian artery, are needed to prevent neurologic complications.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2002
Impact of high intracranial pressure on neurophysiological recovery and behavior in a chronic porcine model of hypothermic circulatory arrest.
This review was undertaken to determine whether high intracranial pressure (ICP) during reperfusion after hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) correlates with evidence of suboptimal cerebral protection in a chronic porcine model. ⋯ A significant rise in ICP may help explain the prolonged obtundation and confusion often seen clinically after HCA. If these small but consistent increases in ICP contribute to rather than reflect ischemic neuronal damage, simple maneuvers to reduce ICP may improve cerebral recovery after HCA.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialReduction of the inflammatory response following coronary bypass grafting with total minimal extracorporeal circulation.
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to cause part of the systemic inflammatory reaction after cardiac surgery that can be responsible for organ failure. A novel technique based on a minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC(R)) system has been evaluated with regard to the inflammatory response in a prospective study involving patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. ⋯ The MECC system is suitable to maintain total extracorporeal circulation and demonstrates a lower inflammatory reaction when compared to standard CPB.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAprotinin reduces blood loss in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery.
Effects of aprotinin in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery have not yet been described. This study analyses hemostasiologic changes and potential benefit in OPCAB patients treated with aprotinin. ⋯ Aprotinin significantly reduces blood loss in patients undergoing OPCAB surgery. Inhibition of enhanced fibrinolysis can be observed. FPA generation during and after OPCAB surgery seems not to be influenced by aprotinin.