The predictive value of the epicardial adipose thickness in the rate of expansion of the aortic root.

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (ECAT) is metabolically active and is involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The thickness of ECAT has been positively correlated with the dimensions of the ascending aorta. We aimed to examine whether ECAT thickness predicted the expansion of the aortic dimensions.

Intraoperative administration of vasopressin during coronary artery bypass surgery is associated with acute postoperative kidney injury.

Background: Severe vasodilatation is commonly seen upon weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We examined the effects of vasopressin (arginine vasopressin [AVP]) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in postoperative period.

Methods: The records of 483 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery on CPB from 2004 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed.

Adjuvant therapy with intrathecal clonidine improves postoperative pain in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft.

Background: Alpha2 adrenergic agonists have long been employed as analgesics and to sedate patients undergoing surgical procedures. In addition, their therapeutic response synergizes that elicited by opioids. Although this response is well known, the role of alpha2 agonists, such as clonidine, during various painful surgical procedures remains to be elucidated.

Anesthetic myocardial protection with sevoflurane.

Objective: To examine the role of sevoflurane in myocardial protection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study.

Setting: Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), Buffalo, New York.