Acta cardiologica
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Comparative Study
Midterm follow-up after off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Results from a case-matched study.
Early survival in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) patients is reported to be as good as that of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, it remains unknown whether midterm cardiac outcome after off-pump surgery is similar to that for the on-pump procedure. ⋯ OPCAB surgery is a safe and reproducible technique, yielding short-and midterm outcomes comparable to conventional CABG.
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The aim of our study was to investigate the systemic inflammatory response in children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical correction with cardiopulmonary bypass. We wanted to discuss interleukin 6 and procalcitonin as components of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome to cardiopulmonary bypass and evaluate postoperative kinetics of these parameters in case of an uncomplicated course. ⋯ Serum concentrations of procalcitonin and interleukin 6 were influenced by systemic inflammatory response syndrome following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Even in case of an uncomplicated course both parameters were elevated for at least four days. While procalcitonin serum concentrations were dependent on aortic clamping time or incisional trauma, interleukin 6 showed no significant relation with these intraoperative variables.
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Comparative Study
Impedance cardiographic monitoring during pericardiocentesis: comparison with echocardiography.
Thoracic impedance cardiography (TIC) is a noninvasive method which has proved to be useful in monitoring the haemodynamic status of the patients. In this study, we evaluated the TIC findings in patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. ⋯ TIC can be safely used in patients with pericardial effusion. It provides suggestive data for the diagnosis of CT and can be used as a means of monitoring the results of the pericardiocentesis.
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Dilated cardiomyopathy has been associated with left ventricular thrombosis, which leads to substantial morbidity and mortality as a site for peripheral emboli. There are some studies on patients with dilated cardiomyopathy showing altered haemostasis and platelet behaviour despite sinus rhythm. Mean platelet volume, which is the most accurate and simple estimate of platelet reactivity, may be associated with the development of left ventricular thrombosis. ⋯ Mean platelet volume is increased in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and sinus rhythm having left ventricular thrombosis. This might be reflecting a causal relationship, which in turn requires further study to establish the role of antiplatelet agents both in prevention and in treatment.