Effects of lifestyle counseling and combination lipid-modifying therapy on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass concentration.

Background: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA(2)) is a novel inflammatory biomarker that is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk independent of and additive to traditional risk factors. Lp-PLA(2) activity is correlated with the degree of inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaque. In human blood, approximately 80% of Lp-PLA(2) is associated with low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting is better than the open technique.

Background: Radial arteries are being used more often for coronary artery bypass grafting. A minimally invasive technique was devised for harvesting vessels and compared with the traditional harvesting technique.

Methods: In a prospective study of 200 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, 100 patients had traditional open radial artery harvesting and 100 underwent endoscopic radial artery harvesting.

Epicardial atrial defibrillation: successful treatment of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication after cardiac surgery. Current medical treatment using antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants has a significant morbidity. The goal of this study was to determine if epicardial atrial defibrillation can be safely performed and return patients to sinus rhythm.