What Drives Opioid Prescriptions After Cardiac Surgery: Practice or Patient?

Background: The objectives of this study were to describe opioid prescribing after hospitalization for elective cardiac operation, to identify factors associated with increased opioid prescriptions, and to develop procedure-specific opioid prescribing guidelines.

Methods: We analyzed data from all adults (≥18 years) undergoing elective cardiac operation for acquired heart disease from July 2014 to March 2017 at 3 affiliated hospitals. Opioid prescription data were abstracted and converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME).

Coronary artery bypass in patients with type 2 diabetes: experience from the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes trial.

Objective: Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) was a study of management strategies for diabetic patients with myocardial ischemia and coronary artery disease. In a 2×2 design, early revascularization versus medical management with or without late revascularization and insulin sensitization versus insulin provision were examined. No advantage for either strategy was seen, except in the group undergoing early coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation: creating the "box lesion" with a bipolar radiofrequency device.

The maze procedure is the gold standard for the ablation of atrial fibrillation, and the "box lesion" around the pulmonary veins is the most important part of this procedure. We have created this lesion with a bipolar radiofrequency ablator, abandoning the usual use of this device (to achieve bilateral epicardial isolation of the pulmonary veins).From March 2004 through the end of May 2010, we performed surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation in 240 patients.

C-reactive protein relaxes human vessels in vitro.

Objective: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker of inflammation and a prognostic marker in cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests direct biological activities of CRP within the vascular wall. The study was designed to examine the vasoreactive effects of CRP.