True versus false left ventricular aneurysm: differentiation with MR imaging--initial experience.

Purpose: To assess the usefulness of cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for differentiation of true from false left ventricular aneurysm in patients after myocardial infarction.

Materials And Methods: Cardiac MR images obtained in 22 sequential patients (20 men, two women; mean age, 63 years; age range, 45-75 years) with pathologically proved left ventricular true aneurysm (n = 18) or false aneurysm (n = 4) after myocardial infarction were retrospectively analyzed. The MR imaging protocol included steady-state cine imaging followed by perfusion measurement and delayed contrast-enhanced imaging with delays of 15 and 20 minutes.

Ventricular reconstruction or aneurysm repair using a modified linear repair technique with septal patch when indicated.

A presentation of our approach for ventricular reconstruction or aneurysm resection which includes a modified linear closure plus septal patch technique when indicated. Our philosophy regarding reconstruction combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus revascularization alone is reviewed. When reconstruction is indicated, the surgical approach is planned on the basis of information gained from preoperative angiography and study of ventricular anatomy as defined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Left ventricular reconstruction: Early and late results.

Objectives: In patients with coronary disease and poor left ventricular function, ventricular reconstruction with revascularization is a surgical option. Details of patient selection and optimal surgical technique are still debated. This study reports results achieved with ventricular reconstruction in 285 patients who had akinesia or dyskinesia associated with relative wall thinning.

Gender differences in quality of distal vessels: effect on results of coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: The quality of target vessels may affect gender differences in outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting. This prospective study compares preoperative angiographic assessment of vessel quality with intraoperative visual assessment of size and presence or absence of diffuse disease. The effect of vessel quality on operative mortality and late survival is examined.

Mild to moderate mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting: effects on operative mortality and long-term significance.

Background: Patients undergoing bypass grafting (CABG) often present with mitral regurgitation (MR). While surgical strategy for patients with either trace or severe MR is well established, the need for a valve procedure with mild (2) to moderate (3+) mitral regurgitation is controversial.

Methods: We reviewed 1,939 consecutive CABG patients (1987 to 1999).