Surgical repair and stent positioning for type A acute aortic dissection: a step forward?

We report two cases of type A acute aortic dissection in which the traditional ascending aorta replacement was completed by aortic arch stenting to achieve a complete treatment and to avoid the risks that are connected to aortic arch replacement. Correct deployment of the stent was evaluated through an endoscope inserted in the transverse arch, which avoided fluoroangiography and the involvement of a radiologic team.

Complications after radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting: our experience.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of complications in the upper limbs as a new event after radial artery (RA) harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: From June 1997 to August 2001, the RA graft was used in 271 patients who underwent cardiac surgery at our department. These patients were prospectively reviewed.