Endoscopic Versus Conventional Vein Harvest Technique: Histological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Venous Wall Integrity.

Background: The introduction of endoscopic saphenous vein graft harvesting has been known for two decades. It offers benefits related to decreased rate of donner site complications. Debates related to its safety in terms of trauma to the wall of the venous graft and long-term graft patency have been raised, but few studies had investigated this point.

Temporary Epicardial Pacing After Valve Replacement: Incidence And Predictors.

Temporary pacemaker wires are usually inserted in patients after valve replacement and may be beneficial for optimizing myocardial function in patients that develop postoperative hemodynamically significant arrhythmias [Elmi 2002]. Indications for temporary cardiac pacing (TCP) are atrial, ventricular or atrioventricular pacing for bradyarrhythmias and for management of both atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias [De Belder 1990; Liebold 1998].Pacemaker wires have two ends - one end has a small needle, which is passed into the myocardial surface, then is cut off.

Reversal of Left Ventricular Functions in Chronic Mitral Regurgitation after Mitral Valve Replacement.

Background: Mitral valve regurgitation leads to deterioration of left ventricular functions if not treated early. We aimed to study the effect of mitral valve replacement on normalization of ejection fraction, remodeling of left ventricular dimensions, and left atrial reduction in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation.

Methods: Between December 2012 and August 2014, 45 patients with chronic mitral regurgitation underwent isolated mitral valve replacement.