Technique for Salvage Reconstruction of Shredded Left Main Coronary Artery After Rotablator Injury.

We report the technique needed to effectively repair a left main coronary artery shredding after rotational atherectomy and destruction of the left main coronary artery. The patient had been deemed inoperable at another center because of diffuse distal coronary disease. The complication led to cardiac tamponade and hemodynamic collapse, necessitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation and salvage surgery.

Can the Left Subclavian Artery be Safely Covered During Endovascular Repair of the Descending Thoracic Aorta?

Objective: : Routine preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition is frequently recommended in patients undergoing endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta (DTA). We reviewed our comprehensive thoracic endografting experience with regards to coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) to assess whether mandatory preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition is necessary.

Methods: : Between February 2000 and November 2005, 255 patients were successfully treated with an endoluminal graft (ELG) to the DTA.

A simple technique for aortic valve replacement in patients with a patent left internal mammary artery bypass graft.

Aortic valve replacement in patients with a patent left internal mammary artery graft is often a challenge because of the difficulties with dissection of the left internal mammary artery and optimum myocardial protection. We describe a simple technique of aortic valve replacement with a beating heart and continuous coronary perfusion for this difficult group of patients.