Publications by authors named "Asen Ivanov"

Background & Aim: Sternotomy remains a commonly used technique to access the heart for cardiac surgery worldwide. To date, there is no clear consensus on the single superior sternal closure technique. Patient-specific factors such as osteoporosis, diabetes, old age, body habitus influence a surgeon's choice in this matter as do techniques commonly used during the training period and used in the current workplace.

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Coronary artery bypass surgery remains the gold standard in the treatment of patients with ischemic heart disease. However, the increased oxidative stress caused by the release of free radicals during the ischemia-reperfusion time is a well-known pathophysiological process during and after coronary revascularization procedures. It may lead to reversible and irreversible myocardial injury.

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Cardio-cutaneous fistula is a very rare complication of cardiac surgery, and the optimal management strategy is unclear. We present a case of a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit (RV-PA) forming a cutaneous fistulate that was successfully surgically repaired. A 43-year-old male presented for an elective RV-PA conduit replacement with a cutaneous skin lesion and associated sub-sternal collection.

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