How to harvest the left internal mammary artery-a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: It is uncertain whether Thunderbeat has a place in harvesting the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and whether skeletonization is superior to pedicle-harvested LIMA. Some investigations have shown improved flowrates in the skeletonized graft. The aim of this study was to compare 3 groups of harvesting techniques: Pedicled, surgical skeletonized and skeletonized with Thunderbeat in terms of flow rates in the LIMA and postoperative in-hospital outcomes.

[Stress fracture in the first and second cuneiform bone in a 23-year-old female].

This is a case report of a healthy 23-year-old female who developed a stress fracture in the first and second cuneiform bone from training towards physical testing at the police school. Stress fractures in these bones are rare and can therefore be overlooked. This case report highlights that patients without preceding trauma, where suspicion of a fracture is maintained despite negative X-ray findings, should be evaluated for a stress fracture with more advanced imaging such as CT or MRI although the anatomic location is unusual.

Does closed incision negative wound pressure therapy in non-traumatic major lower-extremity amputations improve survival rates?

Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (CINPWT) has been shown to be clinically effective compared with the traditional gauze dressing, reducing surgical site infections and wound complications. We evaluated the effect of CINPWT compared with gauze dressing on the need for revision surgery and survival after non-traumatic major lower amputation. We included 309 patients undergoing 403 major lower amputations in a retrospective study from January 1, 2010 to November 23, 2017.

Does Left Atrial Appendage Amputation During Routine Cardiac Surgery Reduce Future Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke?

Purpose Of Review: Stroke is the most feared complication of atrial fibrillation. To prevent stroke, left atrial appendage exclusion has been targeted, as it is the prevalent site for formation of heart thrombi during atrial fibrillation. We review the historic development of methods for exclusion of the left atrial appendage and the evidence to support its amputation during routine cardiac surgery.

The long-term efficacy of concomitant maze IV surgery in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. AF surgery is widely used for rhythm control of AF, but previous studies have shown varying results. This study sought to investigate the long-term efficacy of concomitant maze IV (CMIV) surgery in an unselected AF population and identify predictors of late AF recurrence.