Radiofrequency catheter ablation and antiarrhythmic drug therapy: a prospective, randomized, 4-year follow-up trial: the APAF study.

Background: Information on comparative outcome between radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) and antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) >1 year after randomization is important for clinical decision-making.

Methods And Results: A total of 198 patients (age, 56 ± 10 years) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were randomly assigned to RFA (99 patients) or to AADs (99 patients). We evaluated efficacy of RFA or AADs in a comparable 48-month follow-up period according to intention-to-treat analysis.

[Influence of anatomo-pathological involvement of the aorta on results of Bentall's operation].

The results of 51 patients undergoing the Bentall procedure for aneurysmal pathology of the ascending aorta during the last 10 years are analysed with respect to the nature of the pathology of the lesions of the arterial wall. The study population comprised 39 men and 12 women with a mean age of 47 +/- 17 years (range 2-76 years). They were divided into two groups, Group I (n = 38) with degenerative cystic medianecrosis, Group II (n = 13) with atheromatous lesions.

Technical modification for anastomosis of low-lying coronary ostia in Bentall procedure.

Bentall procedure is not advisable when the origins of the coronary artery ostia cannot reach the composite valve graft at a satisfactory level for direct reimplantation. The other alternatives to coronary artery ostia reimplantation have some disadvantages. A technical modification of the Bentall procedure, successfully used in 3 patients and allowing direct coronary reimplantation without any tension on the suture line, is described.

[Incomplete chronic duodenal stenosis caused by compression by the aorta and mesenteric artery].

In the light of data from the literature, as well as on the personal observations made in 5 cases of chronic, imcomplete duodenal stenosis through aortic-mesenteric pincers that have been hospitalized and operated, the authors stress: the complexity of the syndrome, the difficulties encountered in the establishment of the diagnosis, the severe consequences of the evolution, the necessity to apply surgical treatment as soon as possible.