Concomitant Tricuspid Valve Surgery Is Not Associated With Increased Operative Risk During Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of robotic mitral valve surgery with and without concomitant tricuspid valve surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent robotic mitral surgery between March 2010 and September 2022 were included. Patients were grouped according to the presence of concomitant tricuspid interventions.

Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Multivessel Coronary Bypass Guided by Computerized Tomography.

Objective: Robot-assisted minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery is one of the least invasive approaches that offers multivessel revascularization and accelerated recovery. We investigated the benefits of computed tomography angiography (CTA) guidance in robotic coronary bypass (RCAB) by analyzing perioperative outcomes.

Methods: Between April 2022 and April 2023, 60 consecutive patients who underwent RCAB under preoperative CTA guidance were included.

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy in the Treatment of Vasospastic Angina Resistant to Medical Therapy.

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical follow-up results of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) in the treatment of vasospastic angina (VSA) resistant to maximal medical therapy.

Methods: A total of 80 patients with VSA who presented to our hospital between 2010 and 2022 were included in our study. Among them, 6 patients who did not respond to medical therapy underwent ETS.

Relationship between in-hospital mortality and creatinine/albumin in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction without standard modifiable risk factors.

Diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking are associated with coronary artery disease and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, patients without any classic risk factors have a higher mortality rate in the post-STEMI period. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between in-hospital mortality and creatinine/albumin ratio in patients with STEMI without modifiable risk factors.

The Role of the Left Atrial Strain Parameters on Grading of Aortic Regurgitation.

Background: Grading the severity of aortic regurgitation (AR) is very important for clinical follow-up. In AR, left atrial (LA) mechanics can be affected in time and LA strain variations can be illuminating for the grading of AR. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the LA strain parameters are associated with the severity of AR or not.

Investigation of the Effect of Asthma on Mortality and Morbidity After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Objectives: No studies have been specifically conducted on asthma patients undergoing cardiac surgery for assessing mortality and morbidity. Distinct effects of cardiac surgery lead to negative effects on respiratory functions, putting patients with existing lung diseases under an increased risk. We aimed to investigate whether asthma patients are under higher risk for mortality and possible complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery than patients without asthma.

Value of Interatrial Block for the Prediction of Silent Ischemic Brain Lesions.

Introduction: Previous studies demonstrated that interatrial block (IAB) is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) in different clinical scenarios. The aim of our study was to determine whether IAB could predict silent ischemic brain lesions (sIBL), detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: Patients presented to a neurology clinic with transient ischemic attack (TIA) symptoms and underwent brain MRI were included to the study.

Interatrial block as a predictor of atrial fibrillation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Introduction: Interatrial block (IAB) is strongly associated with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in different clinical scenarios. Atrial fibrosis is considered the responsible mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of IAB. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IAB predicted AF at 12 months follow-up in a population of patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Comparison of ultrasonically activated scalpel and traditional technique in radial artery harvesting; an electron microscopic evaluation.

Objective: Use of the radial artery (RA) as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has become increasingly popular in recent years. The aim of this prospective randomized study is to determine how the endothelial wall and blood flow of RA are differently affected with the usages of ultrasonic scalpel and conventional electrocautery in addition to effects of hypothermia and storage solutions. Histopathologic study was achieved by electron microscope to evaluate endothelium of the grafts.

High sensitivity CRP levels predict atrial tachyarrhythmias in rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Background: The different levels of inflammation in rheumatic mitral stenosis determine its clinical consequences. Atrial fibrillation is frequently encountered in mitral stenosis, though the independent role of chronic inflammation in determining atrial tachyarrhythmia occurrence in rheumatic heart disease has not been demonstrated previously.

Methods: Measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) with a high sensitivity assay to detect chronic inflammation were performed in a homogenous group of 50 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis, who were in sinus rhythm.

Uncommon presentation of Behçet's syndrome: aortic aneurysm and dissection due to Behçet's syndrome.

Aneurysm and dissections localized to the ascending aorta are usually encountered in patients with atherosclerosis and hypertension. Behçet's syndrome is a rare vasculitic syndrome occasionally responsible for inflammation in small to large vessels. Aneurysm formation and dissection in the ascending aorta due to Behcet's disease is an even rarer presentation of this vasculitis that will be discussed in conjunction with a case presentation.

Sternal wound complications in bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting: a comparison of the off-pump technique and conventional cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: Sternal wound complication is a major concern in bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting. The purpose of this study was to assess whether avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass has beneficial effects with fewer wound complications in patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting.

Methods: Retrospective review was performed using prospectively gathered data of 69 patients who had undergone elective coronary artery bypass grafting and received conventional pedicled bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting from December 2002 through April 2004 by the same surgical team.