Efficacy of chronic statin therapy on major cardiac events after coronary artery bypass grafting: low-dose versus high-dose.

Aim: To investigate whether chronic statin treatment after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) protects patients from major cardiac events and provides percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) free survival.

Methods: A total of 232 patients with previous CABG and chronic statin therapy were selected retrospectively and were divided into two groups according to a dosage of atorvastatin per day, e. g.

Effects of perioperative statin treatment on postoperative atrial fibrillation and cardiac mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a propensity score analysis.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of perioperative statin treatment on postoperative atrial fibrillation and cardiac mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods: A total of 1890 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass were analyzed retrospectively, of which 425 patients (22.4%) older than 70 were included in the study.

Impact of elevated serum estradiol/free testosterone ratio on male varicose veins in a prospective study.

Objective: Although some studies indicate an association between increased levels of estradiol and varicose veins in women, the role of sex hormones on varicose veins have a question mark in men.

Methods: We investigated estradiol-2/free testosterone (E2/fT) ratio relationship on varicosity in 100 male patients dividing them into two groups. Group A (n = 46) had varicose veins with endocrinological problems, especially infertility, whereas group B (n = 54) also had varicose veins but no endocrinological problems.

Isolated tricuspid valve repair for Libman-Sacks endocarditis.

Cardiac involvement is a well-known complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can involve most cardiac components, including pericardium, conduction system, myocardium, heart valves, and coronary arteries. Libman-Sacks (verrucous) endocarditis is the characteristic cardiac valvular manifestation. Although isolated tricuspid valve involvement is quite rare, we report a patient with SLE who had tricuspid stenosis caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis.

Ringless alfieri mitral valve repair for significant ischemic mitral regurgitation with coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is associated with diminished survival prospects. Ringless edge-to-edge mitral valve repair is usually performed in association with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this report, we present our early results for ringless edge-to-edge repair and concomitant CABG.

Coronary artery and pulmonary artery fistula originated from significant stenosis in the left anterior descending artery.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is defined as a rare anomalous connection between a coronary artery and a major vessel or a cardiac chamber. We report a case of a left anterior descending coronary (LAD) stenosis and coronary artery fistula between the LAD coronary artery and the pulmonary artery (PA). CAF is often diagnosed by coronary angiogram.

Decrease of total antioxidative capacity in developed low cardiac output syndrome.

Background: It has been known that cardiac surgery induces an oxidative stress. The persistent oxidative stress during reperfusion may lead to depressed myocardial function resulting in low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) necessitating inotropic or intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation support. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is a measurement of oxidative stress in tissues.

Decrease of total antioxidant capacity during coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objective: Cardiac surgery induces an oxidative stress, which may lead to impairment of cardiac function. In this study, we aimed to measure the changes of oxidative and antioxidative status of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Materials And Methods: We studied 79 patients who underwent CABG with and without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Influence of oxidative stress on the development of collateral circulation in total coronary occlusions.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total peroxide and oxidative stress index (OSI) are associated with the development of collaterals in total coronary occlusions.

Design And Methods: Our study group contained 176 consecutive men patients with single-vessel TCO, 94 of whom had poorly developed coronary collateral, while 82 had well-developed coronary collateral. TAC and total peroxide concentration were measured of plasma.

Coronary artery bypass surgery in high-risk patients.

Background: In high-risk coronary artery bypass patients; off-pump versus on-pump surgical strategies still remain a matter of debate, regarding which method results in a lower incidence of perioperative mortality and morbidity. We describe our experience in the treatment of high-risk coronary artery patients and compare patients assigned to on-pump and off-pump surgery.

Methods: From March 2002 to July 2004, 86 patients with EuroSCOREs > 5 underwent myocardial revascularization with or without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Mini-dose pump-prime aprotinin inhibited enhanced fibrinolytic activity and reduced blood loss and transfusion requirements after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objectives: Low-dose aprotinin in the pump during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been shown to improve postoperative hemostasis and platelet preservation. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects of mini-dose pump prime only aprotinin (70 mg) on the hemostatic parameters and blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Materials And Methods: We studied 86 patients who underwent CABG.

Coronary endarterectomy with beating heart in patients with diffuse atheromatous coronary artery disease and poor ventricular function: early and midterm results.

Background: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed our experience with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and coronary artery endarterectomy in patients with severely reduced left ventricular function and diffuse atheromatous coronary artery disease to evaluate the early and midterm results.

Methods: Between July 1998 and March 2004, 42 patients underwent off-pump myocardial revascularization with coronary artery endarterectomy. The mean age (+/-SD) for the 28 male and 14 female patients was 59 +/- 10.

Closure of secundum atrial septal defect with autologous right atrial patch: case report.

Background: Although various synthetic materials and pericardium have been used for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, investigators are continuing to search for an ideal material for this procedure. We report and evaluate a case in which autologous right atrial wall tissue was used for ASD closure.

Case: In this case, we closed a secundum ASD of a 22-year-old woman who also had right atrial enlargement due to the defect.