[Historical evolution of prosthetic heart valves].

The historical evolution of the prosthetic heart valves is resumed, quoting the first experimental steps, the conditions that a prosthesis has to fulfil, and the first clinical attempts with the Hufnagel's valve in the treatment of the aortic insufficiency (September 11, 1952) and with the Chesterman's in the pathology of the mitral valve (July 22, 1955) till the Starr Edwards' ball valve (Agoust 12, 1960). The characteristics of the different types of ball valve are described (Harken, Smeloff, etc), disc valves (Kay-Shiley, Beall, Lillehei-Nakib etc.), tilting disc valves (Bjork-Shiley, Hall-Kaster, Omniscience etc), bileaflet valves ( St.

[Criteria for the extension of gastric and lymphatic resection in gastric cancer surgery].

After a brief historical review where are pointed out the circuMstances of the first successful gastrectomy performed by Billroth (Billroth I), gastroenteroanastomosis by Wölfler, Wölfler and Roux in-Y anastomosis, Billroth II reconstruction and types and techniques of lymphadenectomies, it is exposed the author's experience over 927 gastric cancer, cardias included, explaining the surgical technique performed: gastrectomy according to size, tumor localization and D1 lymphadectomy, evaluating to perform a D2 during operation, obtaining an overlife of 56% after 5 years when tumor was only placed in the stomach, and only of 19% when N1 lymph-nodes where affected and 6% if invasion reached N2 group. Overlife of cardias cancer has moved between 11 and 20%. Some comments are made on the surgeon evaluation of the lymp-nodes afectation and on the advantages and disadvantages of performing a radical or standard lymphadenectomy.

[Arterial grafts].

After a historical review, pointing out the different types of grafts (tubes, veins, arteries, synthetic material), several haemodynamics facts are commented, that in author's opinion, are closely related with biological process of "neo-intima" development. Technical aspects are evaluated, including extra-anatomical by-pass, infection risk, and proposed solutions when run-off problems occurred when placing a graft, concluding with modern guidances when using this material, such as endotheliation, cryopreserved artery grafts, polyurethane and pyrolytic carbon grafts, negatively charged grafts, biodegradation prosthesis, laboratory artery development, small diameter grafts and endovascular surgery.

Roux-en-Y syndrome after surgical treatment of alkaline reflux gastritis.

Objective: to evaluate the possible existence of the so-called <> in a group of 21 patients who underwent surgery to correct postoperative alkaline reflux gastritis.

Methods: the study group consisted of 15 men and 6 women (mean age 39.2 years).