Partial Mechanical Unloading of the Heart Disrupts L-Type Calcium Channel and Beta-Adrenoceptor Signaling Microdomains.

We investigated the effect of partial mechanical unloading (PMU) of the heart on the physiology of calcium and beta-adrenoceptor-cAMP (βAR-cAMP) microdomains. Previous studies have investigated PMU using a model of heterotopic-heart and lung transplantation (HTHAL). These studies have demonstrated that PMU disrupts the structure of cardiomyocytes and calcium handling.

A conducting polymer with enhanced electronic stability applied in cardiac models.

Electrically active constructs can have a beneficial effect on electroresponsive tissues, such as the brain, heart, and nervous system. Conducting polymers (CPs) are being considered as components of these constructs because of their intrinsic electroactive and flexible nature. However, their clinical application has been largely hampered by their short operational time due to a decrease in their electronic properties.

High-Dose Intravenous Octreotide Is Safe and May Be Superior to Surgery in Managing Severe Postesophagectomy Chylothorax in High-Risk Patients.

Postesophagectomy chylothorax is a relatively rare but potentially lethal complication. Management can be challenging, especially of patients after radiotherapy. Chest tube drainage, bowel rest, total parenteral nutrition, and adequate fluid replacement are the preferred first-line treatment.

Chest X-ray and electrocardiogram in post-cardiac surgery follow-up clinics: should this be offered routinely or when clinically indicated?

Objectives: Many centres in the UK carry out routine chest X-ray (CXR) and/or electrocardiogram (ECG) when patients attend follow-up clinic after cardiac surgery. Current evidence to support this practice is weak. This study investigated the appropriateness of carrying out these investigations in the absence of clinical indication.

Spontaneous supraceliac isolated abdominal aortic dissection sparing major visceral and renal vessels and presenting as chronic limb ischemia.

Aortic dissections that originate from isolated tears in the abdominal aorta are uncommon. Rarer still are cases of isolated abdominal aortic dissections arising in suprarenal locations, as most appear from infrarenal intimal defects. We present a quite unusual case of a spontaneous supraceliac isolated abdominal aortic dissection sparing the renal and mesenteric arteries and manifesting as chronic rather than acute limb ischemia.

Conduits for coronary artery bypass surgery: the quest for second best.

Coronary artery bypass grafting is one of the most outstanding surgical achievements of the 20th century. Over its 50-year history patient outcomes have become excellent owing to technical refinements, myocardial protection, the use of antiplatelet and anticholesterol drugs, and the continued search for better conduits. The performance of conduits used for bypass remains the most important prognostic factor, with the left internal mammary artery being the conduit of choice due to its excellent patency rates.

Gluteo-vaginal fistula: a long-term complication of posterior intravaginal slingplasty.

A 67-year-old lady presented to the surgical outpatient clinic with a 4 month history of recurrent purulent discharge from her left buttock. Four years and 4 months prior to this she underwent a posterior intravaginal slingoplasty for vaginal prolapse and urinary stress incontinence. An MRI demonstrated a long gluteo-vaginal fistula tract from the posterior wall of the vaginal vault through the left ischiorectal fossa to the skin.