Thrombosed abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with an extensively "shaggy" aorta repaired anatomically via a thoracoabdominal approach with supraceliac aortic clamping: report of a case.

A 76-year-old man with a history of multiple laparotomies and severe coronary artery disease was referred to our hospital after the sudden development of pain and numbness in the lower extremities. Computed tomography showed a thrombosed abdominal aortic aneurysm and diffuse aortic atherosclerosis; compatible with a "shaggy aorta." A good response to thrombolytic therapy permitted elective scheduling of abdominal aortic surgery after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Long-term effect of gene therapy for chronic ischemic myocardium using platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor in dogs.

Background: We previously reported the 2-week benefits of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) gene therapy in chronically ischemic myocardium. However, the long-term effects and safety using this gene have not been reported.

Methods: Chronic myocardial ischemia was created in 24 dogs by stenosing the origin of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) using an ameroid constrictor.

[A 65-year-old man with liver metastases after lung cancer resection that responded to concomitant use of gemcitabine and carboplatin].

A 65-year-old male with liver metastases after lung cancer resection was treated with five courses of chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine (GEM) 1,000 mg/m2 (day 1, 8, every 4 weeks) plus carboplatin (CBDCA) AUC 6 (day 1, every 4 weeks). A partial response (PR) was achieved, his symptoms abated and his quality of life(QOL) improved. Although bone marrow suppression was observed as a side effect, it was within the tolerable range and did not interfere with therapy.

Adventitial inversion technique without the aid of biologic glue or Teflon buttress for acute type A aortic dissection.

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the adventitial inversion technique in acute type A aortic dissection, with special attention to the impact of this procedure on the postoperative status of false lumen evaluated by computed tomographic scan.

Methods: From March 2001 to November 2004, 18 consecutive patients underwent emergent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Supracoronary graft replacement was performed in all the patients (ascending aorta/hemiarch replacement: 13/18=72%, total arch replacement: 5/18=28%).

Triangle target principle for the placement of trocars during video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Objective: The baseball-diamond principle is generally used for trocar placement during video-assisted thoracic surgery; however, we are unable to treat all peripheral lung lesions using this principle. Therefore, we have developed another method for determining trocar placement based on a modification of the conventional principle. We have termed this method the triangle target principle.

Gene therapy for chronic myocardial ischemia using platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor in dogs.

Platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF), also known as thymidine phosphorylase (TP), has been reported to possess angiogenic activity and to inhibit apoptosis. This study was performed to determine whether PD-ECGF/TP can be used to ameliorate chronic myocardial ischemia. Myocardial ischemia was created in 40 mongrel dogs by placement of an ameroid constrictor on the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD).

Giant mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysm mimicking benign esophageal tumor: a case report and review of 26 cases from literature.

Mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysm is rare but potentially life-threatening, and requires prompt treatment to avert rupture with catastrophic results. A 78-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a benign esophageal tumor, which appeared as an extrinsic, extramucosal filling defect on an esophagogram. Chest computed tomography and selective bronchial arteriography led to a definitive diagnosis of mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysm.