Journal of cardiac surgery
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Patients with documented history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) pose a difficult problem during surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Several alternatives to heparin exist, but these products either are not approved for use in the United States or have more side effects than heparin. We report on a patient with documented heparin-induced antibody and left main coronary artery disease who underwent uneventful coronary artery bypass surgery and recovery by using preoperative plasmaphresis and limited use of porcine intestinal heparin during CPB.
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Comparative Study
Safety and efficacy of fast track in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
The incidence of coronary artery bypass surgery has been increasing annually with increasing pressure on the health care system. Fast track has been proposed as a means to increase efficiency and volume, without an increase in hospital resources. To date this approach has not been critically assessed in Canada. ⋯ The data indicate it is possible to perform isolated CABG surgery, in a large proportion of the population, without the need for admission to an ICU for postoperative care.
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We describe a patient who presented with classic symptoms and signs of acute aortic dissection that escaped detection despite state-of-the-art imaging techniques. We review the pertinent literature concerning the diagnosis of acute dissection of the ascending aorta and describe the types of dissection that might be missed with conventional diagnostic techniques. Repeated efforts should be made to diagnose aortic dissection even though initial studies may be negative in patients with clinical evidence of dissection.
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Upper ministernotomy for aortic valve replacement is intimidating for many surgeons, not only for limited surgical exposure but also for the inability to complete de-airing the apex of the heart. Conversion to full sternotomy had been reported for this inability to de-air the apex of the heart in a limited number of cases. We describe a simple de-airing method by introducing a 16 GA catheter into the apex of the left ventricle through the aorta and prosthetic valve.