Esophagocolic anastomotic stricture repaired twelve years after original interposition.

Successful resection of a long, tight, unyielding cervical esophagocolic anastomosis with mobilization of the colon interposition transplant through a sternal splitting incision 12 years after the primary surgery is reported. The colon transplant with its vascular bundle was dissected with less difficulty than expected and 5 cm of increased length was obtained to make a new neck anastomosis without tension.

Technique for using soft, flexible catheter stents in aortocoronary vein bypass operations.

A technique using soft, flexible catheter stents in performing coronary vein bypass surgery is presented which makes small vessel anastomoses easy and assures accuracy of suture placement with clear identification of the vessel lumen and an anastomosis without stenosis. It provides an essentially bloodless field without having to cross-clamp the aorta. The technique has been used to our complete satisfaction in all patients since we first started vein bypass operations in 1970.

Clinical review of 106 consecutive carotid endarterectomies.

We have reviewed 106 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed from 1966 through 1973. During this period, 99 elective procedures and seven emergency procedures were done on 84 patients, 22 of whom had bilateral endarterectomies. Indications for elective procedures included transient ischemic attacks, emboli from ulcerative plaques, high grade stenotic plaques on the same or opposite side in patients with old cerebrovascular accidents and asymptomatic bruits.