Impact of endoscopic versus open saphenous vein harvest technique on late coronary artery bypass grafting patient outcomes in the ROOBY (Randomized On/Off Bypass) Trial.

Objective: In the Randomized On/Off Bypass (ROOBY) Trial, the efficacy of on-pump versus off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was evaluated. This ROOBY Trial planned subanalysis compared the effects on postbypass patient clinical outcomes and graft patency of endoscopic vein harvesting and open vein harvesting.

Methods: From April 2003 to April 2007, the technique used for saphenous vein graft harvesting was recorded in 1471 cases.

Detectable troponin levels predict poor prognosis in patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing internal defibrillator implantation.

Introduction: Troponin levels have been demonstrated to predict mortality in patients with cardiomyopathy. Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) devices have been demonstrated to improve survival. It is not clear if ICDs would mitigate the negative outcome predicted by elevated troponin levels.