Hemodynamic assessment using apical suction versus pericardial retraction in beating heart surgery.

Objective: : Aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative hemodynamic function using an apical suction device (Xpose = XS) versus standard pericardial retraction sutures (PS) during off-pump myocardial revascularization.

Methods: : Twenty-seven consecutive patients (four female) with three-vessel disease receiving off-pump myocardial revascularization were prospectively evaluated. Mean age was 70 ± 8 years and mean ejection fraction was 55 ± 18%.

Twelve-month patency with the PAS-port proximal connector device: a single center prospective randomized trial.

Background: The PAS-Port (Cardica Inc, Redwood City, CA) is an automated system that allows for the clampless anastomosis of vein grafts to the aorta. The intent of this study was to prospectively compare one year graft patency of this system with conventional hand-sewn anastomoses in a prospective, randomized trial.

Methods: A total of 99 patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary bypass surgery were randomized to receive their proximal anastomoses with either the hand-sewn conventional technique or with the PAS-Port system.

Facilitated minimally invasive left ventricular epicardial lead placement.

Purpose: Atrial-synchronized biventricular pacing is an effective treatment option in patients with heart failure and interventricular conduction delay. Owing to a failed transvenous implantation in some patients, the left ventricular (LV) lead has to be placed surgically, usually by an anterolateral thoracotomy. We used a novel malleable epicardial lead placement tool (Epicardial Lead Implant Tool, Model 10626; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) that facilitates lead placement on the posterior aspect of the LV through an anterolateral minithoracotomy.

Comparison of cardiac troponin I versus T and creatine kinase MB after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with and without perioperative myocardial infarction.

Background And Purpose: Cardiac troponins have shown to be specific markers of myocardial injury. The aim of this prospective study was to compare patterns and kinetics of troponin I and T after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI).

Patients And Methods: 119 patients (male/female: 96/23, age 64 +/- 10 years) underwent first time elective CABG.

Interrupted aortic arch in an adult single-stage extra-anatomic repair.

Interrupted aortic arch is a rare congenital malformation of the aortic arch that occurs in 3 per million live births. Defined as a loss of luminal continuity between the ascending and descending portions of the aorta, this anomaly entails a very poor prognosis without surgical treatment. To our knowledge, the world medical literature contains only 12 reports of isolated interrupted aortic arch diagnosed in adults.