Effect of skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery for coronary revascularization on the incidence of sternal wound infection.

Use of the internal thoracic artery in coronary revascularization confers excellent benefit. We assessed the impact of skeletonization on the incidence of postoperative sternal wound infection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. We also investigated whether there is an advantage in using this technique when harvesting both internal thoracic arteries in high-risk groups, such as diabetic patients.

The antiphospholipid syndrome and heart valve surgery.

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is a complex autoimmune disease often connected to systemic lupus erythematodes. Main features are thromboses, fetal loss and specific antibodies. The involved autoantibodies are directed against plasma proteins such as beta2glycoprotein1 (beta2GPI) or prothrombin which depend on negatively charged phospholipids.

Novel applications of Dermabond (2-octyl -cyanoacrylate) in cardiothoracic surgery.

Dermabond (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA) is a cyanoacrylate adhesive normally indicated for skin wound closure. This study describes the emergency use of this adhesive to control bleeding close to coronary anastomoses in exceptional cases.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in children: a meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aims to use meta-analysis to compare laparoscopic and open appendectomy in a pediatric population.

Summary Background Data: Meta-analysis is a statistical tool that can be used to evaluate the literature in both qualitative and quantitative ways, accounting for variations in characteristics that can influence overall estimate of outcomes of interest. Meta-analysis of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in a pediatric population has not previously been performed.

Does Doppler echography have a diagnostic role in patency assessment of internal thoracic artery grafts?

The amount of literature published over the past decade comparing coronary angiography with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography assessment of internal thoracic artery graft patency after CABG is substantial. There has been no review of the available literature, and conflicting reports of diagnostic accuracy have prevented routine use of transthoracic Doppler in graft patency assessment. Thus, this article reviews the available literature on diagnostic accuracy of transthoracic Doppler echocardiography of coronary bypass grafts.

Does off-pump coronary artery bypass reduce the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation? A question revisited.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common post-operative complication in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, with an increased incidence associated with advancing age. This study aims to determine whether off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) reduces the incidence of AF in a generalized population (mean age <70 years). A meta-analysis was performed including all randomised and propensity score matched non-randomised studies published between 2001 and 2003 reporting a comparison between the two techniques in a generalised patient group (average age <70 years).