Ranolazine enhances the antiarrhythmic activity of amiodarone by accelerating conversion of new-onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

Ranolazine is a relatively novel antiischemic/antianginal compound with antiarrhythmic properties. We investigated its ability to shorten the time to conversion of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) when added to amiodarone after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In this prospective, randomized, allocation-concealed, single-blind, single-site clinical trial, we enrolled consecutive eligible patients who developed POAF after elective on-pump CABG surgery.

Effect of ranolazine in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary revascularization surgery.

Background/objective: Ranolazine is a new anti-ischemic agent approved for chronic angina with additional electrophysiologic properties. The purpose of the present trial was to investigate its effect in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Methods: In the current prospective, randomized, (1 active: 2 control), single-blind (outcome assessors), single-centre clinical trial we recruited consecutive eligible patients scheduled for elective on-pump CABG.

Why are thoracic operations postponed?

Aim: To investigate and present the reasons that cause the postponement of thoracic surgical operations.

Methods: We retrospectively included in the study all patients submitted to elective thoracic surgery in our department during the 4-year period 2007-2010 and noted all cases of postponement after official inclusion in the operating schedule.

Results: 81 out of a total of 542 patients (14.

Ondasetron versus haloperidol for the treatment of postcardiotomy delirium: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

Background: To investigate the controlling efficacy of ondasetron and haloperidol in regard to the postcardiotomy delirium.

Methods: We included in this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study 80 patients who developed delirium after heart surgery with the application of heart lung-machine. The patients were divided into two, equally-sized groups, which on detection of delirium received ondasetron 8 mg iv or haloperidol 5 mg iv respectively.

Classic and non-classic forms of mitral valve prolapse.

Objective: To investigate the significance of the established distinction between classic and non-classic forms of mitral valve prolapsed (MVP).

Methods: We included in this prospective study all patients examined in our preventive cardiology outpatient clinics during the biannual period October 2004-October 2006. We examined in total 10.

How many lobes do you see?

Accessory fissures represent a variation of the normal lung anatomy. Incomplete development or even the absence of the major or minor fissures can lead to confusion in distinguishing adjacent lobes. This report aims to present a rare intraoperative finding of an anatomic malformation of the right lung in a 19-year old male patient with recurrent pneumothorax who underwent a surgical repair.

Why are heart operations postponed?

Aim: To investigate the reasons that lead to postponement of cardiac operations, in order to elucidate the problem and help patients through modes of prevention. METHODS-DESIGN: We retrospectively included in the study all patients submitted to elective adult heart surgery in our department during the 4-year period 2007-2010 and noted all cases of postponement after official inclusion in the operating schedule.

Results: 94 out of a total of 575 patients (16.

Double auricles of the right atrium: a unique anatomic deformity.

Background: Anatomic deviations, especially those detected during the course of an operation, are medically intriguing, as they raise concerns about their clinical significance and putative complications.

Case Presentation: We present, to our knowledge, for the first time a case of an anatomic deviation in the form of a second right atrial auricle in a 70 year-old, coronary bypass-operated male Caucasian patient of Greek origin. No complications were noted intra-or postoperatively.

Poland's syndrome and recurrent pneumothorax: is there a connection?

Aim: To investigate the possible connection of Poland's syndrome with the presence of lung bullae and, thus, with an increased risk for recurrent pneumothorax.

Patients-methods: Two male patients, aged 19 and 21 years respectively were submitted to our department after their second incident of pneumothorax. Both had Poland's syndrome (unilaterally hypoplastic chest wall with pectoralis major muscle atrophy) and both had multiple bullae to the ipsilateral lung based on CT findings.

An alternate solution for the treatment of ascending aortic aneurysms: the wrapping technique.

Background: The aortic Dacron wrapping technique is a surgical technique used under certain circumstances in cases of ascending aorta dilatation. Herein, we are presenting our experience on the method performed on multimorbid patients who denied major aortic surgery.

Methods: We included in our series 7 patients (5 male-2 female) with mild to moderate ascending aortic dilatation, who were operated with the wrapping technique.

Coronary artery surgery in a man with achondroplasia: a case report.

Introduction: Achondroplasia is a musculoskeletal disorder associated with short stature. Despite an estimated prevalence of 1:25,000 in the general population, there is little literature concerning the diagnostic and treatment challenges faced by doctors dealing with a heart operation on a patient with this condition.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 41-year-old Caucasian man of Greek ethnicity with achondroplasia, who underwent bypass heart surgery.

Intrapleural instillation of autologous blood for persistent air leak in spontaneous pneumothorax- is it as effective as it is safe?

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of autologous blood pleurodesis in the management of persistent air leak in spontaneous pneumothorax.

Patients And Methods: A number of 15 patients (10 male and 5 female) were included in this prospective study between March 2005 and December 2009. The duration of the air leak exceeded 7 days in all patients.

Dabigatran: the anticoagulant we have long expected?

Many researchers have until now united their efforts in the endeavor to discover new anticoagulants, which would be simpler to use and safer to administer, so that patients would avoid both thromboembolic events as well as life threatening episodes of bleeding. One of these agents, that is hereby presented along with patents, is dabigatran, which promises much for the future, despite the fact that time and the awaited results of ongoing trials will be necessary for its establishment as a first-line anticoagulant. More specifically, based on the major trials of RELY and RECOVER, we could state that dabigatran has presented satisfactory outcomes in terms of bleeding and prevention of venous thromboembolism.

Visual disorders or "eye stroke"after heart surgery: can we prevent it?

The aim of the study was to elucidate the problem of visual disorders after heart surgery, focusing on aetiology, modes of prevention and treatment. Information from a literature search and the authors' personal experience are provide clues as to the modes of development and the means of avoidance and therapy of this category of postoperative, neurosensory complications. Multiple morbid situations, such as preoperative augmented ocular pressure, perioperative bleeding and hypotension, are shown to be predisposing and precipitating factors.

Dopexamine after heart surgery: an uncommonly used, though useful inotropic agent.

A great variety of inotropic agents with different effects on peripheral vascular resistance have been employed in the endeavor to treat heart failure after cardiac surgery. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and dobutamine belong to the first-line, widely used drugs recruited to support and improve ventricular performance, although none of these agents can be described as the one having the most beneficial results with the least possible side effects. Herein, we are presenting thorough a thorough review of literature with patents on dopexamine, a useful, although not widely used inotropic agent, which also reduces peripheral vascular resistance and has beneficial effects on splachnic blood flow when administered after heart surgery.

Heparin-coated extracorporeal circulation systems in heart surgery.

Despite the progress accomplished in the field of off-pump heart surgery, the vast majority of cardiac operations are still performed with the use of extracorporeal circulation, otherwise known as "heart-lung machine." This valuable tool, however, is connected with various complications, partly deriving from the application of intravenous heparin, necessary for the extracorporeal circuits to function. In order to deal with these complications, which among others include postoperative hemorrhage and systemic inflammatory response, several extracorporeal circulation systems, which contain a heparin-coating on their blood-contacting surfaces, have been developed with patents.

Levosimendan for heart-operated patients: what is the state of the art?

Acute heart failure is a common clinical problem faced in cardiac surgery operating rooms and intensive care units. Levosimendan, an inotropic and vasodilating agent used widely in cases of acute heart failure for "cardiological" patients, has not gained global acceptance in its application for heart-operated ones. Herein, we are presenting a series of studies and patents concerning this medication, which, in general, support the use of levosimendan during and after heart surgery, despite the relatively high cost of administration.