Application of robotic-assisted techniques to the surgical evaluation and treatment of the anterior mediastinum.

Background: We report our initial experience with the application of robotic-assisted technologies to the treatment of diseases of the anterior mediastinum.

Methods: Between October 2001 and December 2003, 18 consecutive patients with anterior mediastinal masses were referred for diagnosis and treatment. Fifteen patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci robotic system.

Effects of potassium channel opener KRN4884 on human conduit arteries used as coronary bypass grafts.

Aims: The effects of a new potassium channel opener KRN4884 on human arteries have not been studied. This study was designed to investigate the effects of KRN4884 on the human internal mammary artery (IMA) in order to provide information on possible clinical applications of KRN4884 for preventing and relieving vasospasm of arterial grafts in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods: IMA segments (n = 140) taken from patients undergoing coronary surgery were studied in the organ chamber.

Extended aortic arch atherectomy.

We report 2 cases of extensive atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta, arch of the aorta, innominate artery, and bilateral carotid arteries treated surgically at St. Vincent and Veterans Administration Medical Centers of Portland, Oregon.

Potential greater than additive vasorelaxant actions of milrinone and nitroglycerin on human conduit arteries.

1. The mechanism of vasorelaxation for phosphodiesterase III inhibitors is mediated by increase of cAMP whereas for nitrovasodilators, cGMP. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the phosphodiesterase III inhibitor milrinone and nitroglycerin (NTG) may have greater than additive effects in human arteries.

Reversed bevel technique for anastomosis at the aortic arch.

We describe a method for performing the distal anastomosis in replacement of the ascending and the proximal arch of the aorta with specific attention to obtaining accurate length and orientation of the graft. This method reduces the incidence of both anastomotic dehiscence due to tension and obstruction caused by redundant graft.