Persistent Inflammatory Activity in Blood Cells and Artery Tissue from Patients with Previous Bare Metal Stent.

Background: Studies have pointed out a higher mortality after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in patients with stent.

Objective: To evaluate inflammatory markers in peripheral blood cells and in coronary artery tissue samples obtained during CABG in patients with stent compared to controls.

Methods: The case series consisted of two groups, one with previous stent implantation (n = 41) and one control (n = 26).

Use of the pectoralis major fasciocutaneous flap in the treatment of post sternotomy dehiscence: a new approach.

Objective: To describe a new surgical technique for the treatment dehiscence after median thoracotomy transsternal using fasciocutaneous flap composed of the pectoralis major fascia.

Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2010, from 1,573 patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft, 21 developed wound dehiscence after sternotomy and were treated with bilateral pectoralis major muscle fasciocutaneous flap, including partial portion of the rectus abdominis fascia. Patients were followed for a minimum of 90 days postoperatively.

Surgery for aortic valve endocarditis: treatment options for aortic abscess.

Background: Patients with infective endocarditis show a large diversity of anatomical presentations, which has been a complicating factor for the surgical treatment of this condition, especially in those who develop abscesses in the aortic ring or intracardiac fistulae. For this reason, surgeons have been developing tactical options to repair it. There is consensus around the fact that the removal of infected tissue promotes radical cleaning, and that the outcome of the treatment has been improved by the manufacture of biological glues which facilitate the closure of abscesses and by the creation of new valve replacements.