Exon 47 skipping of fibrillin-1 leads preferentially to cardiovascular defects in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Excessive activation of the transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway and disorganized cellular skeleton caused by genetic mutations are known to be responsible for the inherited thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD), a life-threatening vascular disease. To investigate the genotype-phenotype correlation, we screened genetic mutations of fibrillin-1 (FBN1), transforming growth factor-β receptor-1 (TGFBR1) and transforming growth factor-β receptor-2 (TGFBR2) for TAAD in 7 affected families and 22 sporadic patients. Of 19 potential mutations identified in FBN1, 11 appeared novel while the others were recurrent.

[Acute massive thromboembolism after pulmonary wedge resection treated with open embolectomy: a case report].

Acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism after pneumonectomy usually results in death if not diagnosed early and treated aggressively. It was a case of acute embolism in the main pulmonary artery with thrombus following right pulmonary wedge resection. Diagnosis was made clinically and with computerized tomography before emergency surgery.

[Analysis of the risk factors of acute renal insufficiency following coronary artery bypass grafting].

Objective: To study the risk factors of acute renal insufficiency (ARI) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: The clinic data of 2242 patients undertaking CABG between July 1997 and July 2006 were retrospectively analyzed, and ARI following CABG was included.

Results: ARI occurred in 219 patients, with an incidence of 9.

Development of a local vasodilator delivery system using fibrin glue to prevent arterial graft from spasm.

The clinical benefits of coronary artery bypass graft operations can be compromised by postoperative vasospasm. Traditionally, local papaverine (PPV) has been employed during the procedure to prevent and counteract vasospasm. But the relatively short action period limited its application.

[Coronary artery bypass graft for patients with ascending aorta atherosclerosis].

Objective: The increasing number of aged patients with severe ascending aorta atherosclerosis who are undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) present high risk for ascending aortic cannulation, cross-clamping or partial occluding and proximal anastomosis. We reviewed the surgical experience in 22 patients of CABG with ascending aorta atherosclerosis and tried to find the way to minimize the complications.

Methods: Twenty-two patients with severe atherosclerotic and calcified ascending aorta underwent CABG in our hospital.