Traditional single patch versus the "Australian" technique for repair of complete atrioventricular canal defects.

Purpose: A variety of operative techniques has been used to repair complete atrioventricular (AV) canal defects and satisfactory outcomes after single patch repairs have been reported. We report our comparative results of repairing complete AV canal defects between 1998 and 2006 using the traditional single patch and the "Australian" techniques.

Methods: Fourteen patients underwent traditional AV canal repair with the single patch technique (Group 1) and 11 patients underwent repair with the "Australian" technique (Group 2).

Effects of calcium dobesilate and diosmin-hesperidin on apoptosis of venous wall in primary varicose veins.

Background: Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of calcium dobesilate and diosmin-hesperidin through regulation of apoptosis.

Patients And Methods: 56 Patients were divided into four groups; Group 1 consisted of patients (n = 18) with the recent diagnosis of primary varicose disorder who have never used medications, Group 2 consisted of patients (n = 14) who have used diosmin-hesperidin for at least six weeks prior to the operation, Group 3 consisted of patients (n = 14) who have used calcium dobesilate for at least six weeks prior to the operation and finally Group 4 (Control group) consisted of normal saphenous vein biopsies (n = 10). All biopsies were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin.

Preoperative beta-blocker use reduces atrial fibrillation in off-pump coronary bypass surgery.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery constitutes the most common sustained arrhythmia and results in many complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of prophylactic use of beta-blockers against atrial fibrillation in off-pump surgery patients in the early postoperative period.

Methods: From 2002 to 2005, 78 patients were enrolled and 41 patients received 50 mg metoprolol succinate daily, which was initiated minimum four days before surgery.

Corpus sterni reinforcement improves the stability of primary sternal closure in high-risk patients.

Purpose: To compare standard sternal closure techniques with reinforcement longitudinal wire placement in the corpus sterni in high-risk patients undergoing open-heart surgery via median sternotomy.

Methods: The subjects of this study were 71 high-risk patients, 32 (45%) of whom underwent sternal closure by conventional methods (group 1) and 39 (55%) of whom underwent sternal closure with corpus sterni reinforcement. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 90 days.

Biochemical and hemodynamic effects of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol in coronary artery surgery.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on markers of myocardial reperfusion injury and myocardial contractile function after coronary artery surgery. Forty-eight patients were divided into 4 groups; 300 mg/day alpha-tocopherol was given orally to the patients in group I for 14 days. In groups II and III, 4g of ascorbic acid was administered intravenously prior to induction and in the cardioplegic solution, respectively.