Remifentanil but not sufentanil induces cardioprotection in human ischemic heart muscle in vitro.

Background: Previous studies on animal models have suggested that δ-opioid receptor (OR) signaling is the primary pathway responsible for opioids' cardioprotective effect. We hypothesize that the μ-OR's activation protects the human heart muscle.

Methods: We performed the experiments on muscular trabeculae obtained from the right atrial appendages of 104 consecutive patients subjected to coronary artery bypass surgery.

Different techniques for aortic valve repair and the associated root reconstruction - prospective long-term follow-up of the first 100 patients.

Introduction: The advantages of aortic valve and aortic root reconstructive surgery include the provision of natural postoperative valve hemodynamics and the avoidance of prosthetic valve-related complications. A systematic approach based on functional classification of aortic regurgitation allows standardization and reproducibility. Its potential applicability, however, is limited by the relative lack of long-term follow-up data.

Effects of preoperative aspirin in coronary artery bypass grafting: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Objective: This trial was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of preoperative aspirin administration in a contemporary cardiac surgical practice setting.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, single-center trial involved patients with stable coronary artery disease who were assigned to receive either 300 mg of aspirin or placebo the night before coronary bypass surgery. Using a random digit table, patients were allocated to receive the tablet from 1 of the 40 coded bottles containing either aspirin or placebo.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with relatively recent previous stent implantation: three years follow-up results.

Background: An increasing number of patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) have a history of coronary stent implantation. This study aims to assess perioperative and medium-term follow-up outcomes in patients in whom CABG was preceded by coronary stent implantation within two years before operation.

Methods: One hundred and sixty two patients undergoing CABG after previous stent placement (PCI + CABG group) were compared to 149 who had CABG without PCI in the past (CABG group).

[Mediastinal abscess as a remote complication of CABG combined with temporary cardiac pacing--a case report].

A case of a 74 year old patient with a history of CABG with temporary epicardial cardiac pacing, is described. Five years later the patient developed wound infection. Computerised tomography revealed the presence of mediastinal abscess containing surgical material.

Effect of coronary artery bypass graft in patients with unstable angina on left ventricular remodelling in medium-term follow-up.

Introduction: Left ventricular remodelling is a process of change in size, shape, wall thickness and heart function, initiated by a noxious stimulus such as ischaemia. Methods of pharmacological and surgical inhibition or reversal of remodelling are being sought.

Aim: To assess the influence of coronary artery bypass grafting on echocardiographic measures of left ventricular size and shape in medium-term follow-up.