Dynamic assessment of a composite arterial Y-graft achieving complete myocardial revascularization: transthoracic echo-Doppler correlates with myocardial scintigraphy.

Background: Composite arterial grafts are presently being used ever more frequently in coronary bypass surgery. We assessed the composite radial artery and in situ left internal thoracic artery Y-graft by means of transthoracic echo-Doppler and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS).

Methods: In 53 patients who underwent complete myocardial revascularization using only this composite arterial graft, good transthoracic echographic images and pulsed Doppler signals of the Y-graft main stem were obtained at rest and early after standard exercise; the echographic parameters were measured.

Noninvasive dynamic assessment with transthoracic echocardiography of a composite arterial Y-graft achieving complete myocardial revascularization.

Background: Composite arterial grafts are increasingly used in coronary artery bypass surgery. We assessed with transthoracic echocardiography the composite radial artery and in situ left internal thoracic artery Y-graft.

Methods: In 53 of 60 consecutive patients who underwent complete myocardial revascularization using only this composite arterial graft, good transthoracic echocardiographic images and pulsed Doppler signals of the Y-graft main stem were obtained at rest and early after standard exercise.

Weaning from ventilator after cardiac operation using the Ciaglia percutaneous tracheostomy.

Objective: To determine the predictors of weaning from mechanical ventilation after cardiac operation with the Ciaglia percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in our preliminary experience in the use of this technique.

Methods: We prospectively analysed 33 consecutive patients (mean age 70.9+/-12.

Non-invasive assessment of the composite radial artery and in situ left internal thoracic artery Y-graft for myocardial revascularization.

Background: It is controversial whether composite arterial grafts can provide adequate blood flow for myocardial revascularization. We assessed at transthoracic echography and myocardial scintigraphy the composite radial artery-in situ left internal thoracic artery Y-graft.

Methods: In 32 of 36 consecutive patients who underwent myocardial revascularization using this composite arterial graft, successful postoperative transthoracic images of the main stem of the Y-graft were obtained at rest and early after standard exercise.

The artificial endocrine pancreas in the surgical treatment of insulinoma. Usefulness and limits.

The usefulness and the limits of the artificial endocrine pancreas in the surgical management of insulinoma has been evaluated in three male patients who underwent pancreatic resection because of previously detected adenoma. In particular, blood glucose and contemporary levels of insulin and C-peptide were continuously monitored before, during and after surgery, to record the temporal relationship between the removal of insulinomas and the variations of these parameters. In the pre-resection phase, only two cases revealed hypoglycemia and required dextrose infusion to correct hypoglycemia and reach euglycemic levels, whereas all the patients showed elevated insulin and C-peptide levels.