Endothelial stunning and myocyte recovery after reperfusion of jeopardized muscle: a role of L-arginine blood cardioplegia.

Ischemia and reperfusion may damage myocytes and endothelium in jeopardized hearts. This study tested whether (1) endothelial dysfunction (reduced nitric oxide release) exists despite good contractile performance and (2) supplementation of blood cardioplegic solution with nitric oxide precursor L-arginine augments nitric oxide and restores endothelial function. Among 30 Yorkshire-Duroc pigs, 6 received standard glutamate/aspartate blood cardioplegic solution without global ischemia.

Primum atrial septal defect.

Unlabelled: The purpose of this report is to review our surgical experience with primum atrial septal defect. Since 1982, infants with primum atrial septal defect have undergone complete repair consisting of closure of the cleft of the left atrioventricular valve and atrial septal defect with a pericardial patch. Ages at operation ranged from early neonatal period until 5 years.