[Myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors and left ventricular hypertrophy induced by pressure overload in man].

In experimental models, the characteristics of beta-adrenoceptors in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) due to pressure overload remain controversial and no data are still available in man. We investigated right auricular (RA) and left ventricular (LV) beta-adrenoceptors characteristics (125 I cyanopindolol binding) in two groups of patients undergoing valve replacement without heart failure (LV ejection fraction > 55%). Height patients with mitral stenosis (mean age: 64 +/- 4 years) and without LVH (LV mass index < 120 g/m2) constituted the control group and 13 patients with aortic stenosis (mean age: 66 +/- 4 years) and LVH (LV mass index > 150 g/m2) the study group.

[Implantable insulin pump: surgical implantation under local anesthesia. (Technical note apropos of 35 cases)].

The authors report 35 cases of implantation of a programmable implantable insulin pump, under local anesthesia. This technique allows creation of an subcutaneous pocket and introduction of an intraperitoneal catheter for insulin delivery. The morbidity is mainly due to the catheter which becomes thrombosed by a fibrotic pannus at its tip.

Early postoperative sternal approximation after ITA harvesting: computed tomographic evaluation.

Between November 1989 and February 1990, 66 randomized sternotomized patients underwent aortocoronary bypass and were subjected to a sternal scanner in the early postoperative period. Each examination included a manubrial and a sternal body print. At each level, we studied the occurrence of spacing or misalignment of the sternal layers.

A new device: the quick cannulation system.

We describe a new technique for the placing and fixing of extracorporeal circulation cannulae in the heart. Two devices are involved, the first for an atrial or venous return cannula and the second for an aortic perfusion cannula. These allow quick easy cannulation which is very important in emergency surgery.

Abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy in octogenarian patients.

The authors report 56 patients. 80 years of age or older who had an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): twenty seven were operated upon as emergencies, 7 with intra-peritoneal (Group I) and 20 with retro-peritoneal rupture (Group II). Twenty nine underwent elective surgery (Group III).