Left Atrial Septal Pouch-Is it Really a New Risk Factor for Ischemic Stroke?: Subanalysis of the ASSAM Study.

Purpose: The atrial septal pouch is an anatomic variant of the interatrial septum caused by incomplete fusion of the septum primum and secundum. It is debatable whether coexistence of septal pouch and atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the coexistence of left atrial septal pouch (LASP) and AF in patients with a history of stroke in comparison with those without an earlier history of stroke.

[Tobacco smoking and the perioperative period].

In this review we present the pathophysiology of tobacco smoking and its effect on respiration, circulation and the digestive tract. Smokers have a higher risk of postoperative respiratory complications. Smoking approximately 20 cigarettes a day over twenty years significantly influences the development of pulmonary events, particularly hypoxemia and bronchospasm.