Simple and inexpensive technique for internal mammary artery harvest.

A simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-use method for exposure of the left internal mammary artery is described. Two blades of the conventional four-blade sternal spreader hooking the Adson forceps, which passes through the loops of sternal wires, provides excellent exposure of the IMA. The same retractor is used for the rest of the procedure.

Acromegaly caused by ectopic growth hormone: a rare manifestation of a bronchial carcinoid.

Ectopic acromegaly due to growth hormone-releasing hormone secretion by a bronchial carcinoid is rare. We report a case of bronchial carcinoid presenting with acromegaly due to ectopic growth hormone production. The patient was treated successfully with right pneumonectomy.