A prospective evaluation of the pulsatile assist device.

Conversion of roller pump flow to pulsatile flow by the pulsatile assist device (PAD) is said to result in improved myocardial preservation and a decrease in the incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction. The clinical advantages of the PAD were evaluated in a prospective randomized study of 100 consecutive coronary artery bypass operations. Serial electrocardiograms, creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme studies, and myocardial scans with technetium-labeled pyrophosphate failed to demonstrate any signficiant difference between patients with the PAD and those receiving nonpulsatile flow.

Multiple coronary bypass grafting: current mortality and morbidity.

Although coronary artery bypass surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, recent critical reports have cast doubt on its efficacy in certain groups of patients. Our report reviews a recent experience with multiple coronary bypass grafting for triple vessel disease. From March 1976 to October 1978, 276 patients received from three to nine coronary bypass grafts.

Strut fracture in De Bakey valve. Successful reoperation and valve replacement.

Strut fracture in a De Bakey aortic valve is reported. The theoretical disadvantage of a Pyrolite carbon--coated ball and titanium struts is mentioned. Periodic cinefluoroscopy is recommended in all patients with a De Bakey aortic valve to avoid the complications associated with strut wear or fracture.

Traumatic aortorenal vein fistula: repair using total circulatory arrest.

Fistulas between the abdominal aorta and renal vein are exceedingly rare. Diagnostic delays are not unusual. Correction can be extremely difficult because of anatomical distortion and size of the arterialized veins.