Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The aim of this meta-analysis is to summarise the results of prospective, randomised studies comparing miniaturised (Mini-CPB) versus conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (C-CPB). DESIGN: Meta-analysis of randomised trials. METHODS: After retrieval from literature search of 33 comparative studies, 13 studies have been included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: There were 562 patients in the Mini-CPB group and 599 in the C-CPB group. Mini-CPB was associated with a somewhat lower mortality during the immediate postoperative period (1.1% vs 2.2%, OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.47, p = 0.25). Postoperative stroke rate was significantly lower in the Mini-CPB group (0.2% vs 2.0%, OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.00, p = 0.05). The length of stay in intensive care unit was similar in the study groups (mean difference: -0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.12, p = 0.87). Mini-CPB was associated with a significantly lower amount of postoperative blood loss (mean difference: -96.55, 95% CI -147.48 to -45.62, p = 0.0002) along with a higher platelet count 6 h after surgery (mean difference: 23 480, 95% CI 2 130 to 44 830, p = 0.03). The risk of resternotomy for bleeding was similar in the study groups (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.32 to 3.57, p = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that the use of Mini-CPB may be associated with lower risk of postoperative stroke and blood losses and with a somewhat decreased mortality. However, due to the large heterogeneity of methods and the small number of studies and patients evaluated so far, larger and homogeneous studies should be performed to obtain more conclusive results on the safety and efficacy of Mini-CPB.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to evaluate whether pulmonary function, as assessed by spirometry, affects immediate outcome after aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS: Data relating to the preoperative percentages of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were retrieved from a series of 453 patients who underwent AVR, with or without coronary artery bypass surgery. RESULTS: The percentage of predictive FVC (odds ratio (OR) 0.952; 95% CI 0.914-0.990; AUC 0.749; p = 0.019), but not of predicted FEV1, nor any history of pulmonary disease, proved to be independent predictors of in-hospital mortality, even when adjusted for the logistic EuroSCORE. A percentage predictive FVC of < 80% proved to be the best cut-off (in-hospital mortality 6.3% versus 1.3%; p = 0.005; OR 5.100; 95% CI 1.544-16.849; specificity 69%, sensitivity 69%). The percentage of predictive FVC was found to be an independent predictor of stroke (OR 0.956; 95% CI 0.923-0.989; p = 0.009). Patients with a percentage of predictive FVC < 80% had a risk of postoperative stroke of 6.9% versus 1.9% among those patients with better FVC values (OR 3.769; 95% CI 1.342-10.581; p = 0.012). Patients with a percentage of predictive FVC < 80% (10.4% versus 4.2%; OR 2.648; 95% CI 1.225-5.724; p = 0.011) and a history of pulmonary disease (13.1% versus 5.1%; OR 2.808; 95% CI 1.117-6.694; p = 0.016) had a significantly higher risk of an intensive care unit stay of five or more days. Postoperative pneumonia was not associated with either spirometric parameters, nor with any history of pulmonary disease. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary disease, as indicated by decreased preoperative values of FVC and FEV1, is an important comorbidity factor in patients undergoing AVR surgery. Further studies are required to demonstrate whether the identification and treatment of these patients could improve their outcome after AVR.
Abstract: During the last 15 years, several studies have focused their attention on the development and validation of risk scoring systems for a reliable quantification of the operative risk of patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA). This article briefly summarizes the principles for developing such risk scoring systems, their criteria and reliability as well as future perspectives on this issue. According to the current data, the Glasgow Aneurysm Score and the Hardman’s score are the most accurate in predicting the immediate outcome of patients with RAAA. However, a number of studies did not confirm their predictive value. Importantly, they have been derived more than one decade ago, and meanwhile major changes in the referral pathway, diagnostic approach as well as in the operative techniques and anesthesiological methods have occurred. Since we are in need of an instrument to quantify the operative risk in patients undergoing repair of RAAA in centers with such different referral pathways, volume and experience, and techniques of aneurysm repair, a multicenter international registry should be organized in order to get enough data and derive a specific and accurate RSS to estimate the operative risk of the increasing number of patients with RAAA.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changing risk of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Residents of Oulu who underwent coronary angiography and/or revascularization from 1993 to 2006 formed the basis of this community-wide study. One thousand three hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients who underwent CABG have been included in the analysis on changing operative risk and results after CABG. A significant increase in the operative risk occurred in patients who underwent CABG (mean logistic EuroSCORE in 1278 patients: 1993-1997: 3.7%; 1998-2002: 4.6%; 2003-2006: 5.4%; P<0.0001). Thirty-day mortality decreased during the last period (1993-1997: 2.5%; 1998-2002: 3.0%; 2003-2006: 1.6%; P=0.49). The area under the ROC curve of logistic EuroSCORE (1993-1997: 0.86; 1998-2002: 0.78; 2003-2006: 0.99) for prediction of 30-day postoperative mortality markedly improved during the last study period. Despite the increased operative risk, off-pump coronary surgery was associated with lower immediate postoperative mortality rates. Contrary to on-pump surgery, immediate postoperative death occurred after off-pump surgery only in patients with additive EuroSCORE >or=6. The results of this study suggest that improved perioperative care as well as changes in operative strategy are positively faced with the increased burden of comorbidities and operative risk of patients currently undergoing CABG.
Abstract: A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether there is any benefit with the use of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) field flooding techniques in heart valve surgery, in order to reduce postoperative neurological complications. Altogether 202 articles were found using the reported search, and six of them were used to answer the clinical question. All but one trial, were prospective, randomised. Four studies reported a significantly lower intracardiac bubble count in the CO(2) group. A significant reduction of p300 peak latencies in the CO(2) group was observed in one study. Otherwise, neurocognitive test batteries did not reveal any advantages of CO(2) field flooding in two studies. Three studies reported on postoperative cerebrovascular complications and the overall rate of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or prolonged reversible ischemic neurological deficit was 1.2% in the CO(2) group and 2.5% in the control group (P=ns). Although the use of CO(2) field flooding has been observed to be associated with a significantly lower count of intracardiac air bubbles, and improved survival in two small studies, so far there is no evidence of a sustained reduction of cerebrovascular complications with the use of this method.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To assess the midterm results of endovascular repair of abdominal aneurysm (AAA) with a Zenith stent-graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2005, a Zenith stent-graft was employed for endovascular repair of an infrarenal AAA in 206 patients. The mean patient age (+/-standard deviation) was 73.2 years +/- 7.3. Bifurcated grafts were used in 196 patients (96.1%), aortouni-iliac grafts were used in seven patients (3.4%), and a tubular graft was used in one patient (0.5%). The mean follow-up period was 2.4 years +/- 1.7. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate was 2.9%. The overall survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up were 93.3%, 78.7%, and 64.5%, respectively. None of the patients died of AAA rupture. The primary and assisted technical success rates 1 week after endovascular aneurysm repair were 82.0% and 90.3%. The primary clinical success rates at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up were 90.6%, 85.6%, and 83.5%. Twenty-seven patients (13.1%) underwent a secondary intervention during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: An 83% rate of freedom from repeat vascular intervention over a period of 5 years as well as an absence of structural failures or aneurysm ruptures demonstrates that a Zenith stent-graft is associated with good midterm results.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to report our experience in treating type II endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Two hundred eighteen patients underwent EVAR with a Zenith stent-graft from January 2000 to December 2005. During a follow-up period of 4.5 +/- 2.3 years, solely type II endoleak was detected in 47 patients (22%), and 14 of them underwent secondary interventions to correct this condition. Ten patients had transarterial embolization, and four patients had translumbar/transabdominal embolization. The embolization materials used were coils, thrombin, gelatin, Onyx (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), and glue. Disappearance of the endoleak without enlargement of the aneurysm sac after the first secondary intervention was achieved in only five of these patients (5/13). One patient without surveillance imaging was excluded from analyses of clinical success. After additional interventions in four patients and the spontaneous disappearance of type II endoleak in two patients, overall clinical success was achieved in eight patients (8/12). One patient did not have surveillance imaging after the second secondary intervention. Clinical success after the first secondary intervention was achieved in two patients (2/9) in the transarterial embolization group and three patients (3/4) in the translumbar embolization group. The results of secondary interventions for type II endoleak are unsatisfactory. Although the small number of patients included in this study prevents reliable comparisons between groups, the results seem to favor direct translumbar embolization in comparison to transarterial embolization.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Posterior pericardiotomy is considered a method to reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Its efficacy in preventing atrial fibrillation and supraventricular arrhythmias after coronary artery bypass surgery has been evaluated in the present meta-analysis. METHODS: This meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. RESULTS: The search yielded 6 prospective, randomized studies reporting on postoperative atrial fibrillation in 763 patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. The cumulative incidence of atrial fibrillation was 10.8% in the posterior pericardiotomy group (PP group) and 28.1% in the control group (I(2) 68%, random effect: P = .003, odds ratio [OR] 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.69). Supraventricular arrhythmias occurred in 13.8% of patients in the PP group and 35.4% in the control group (I(2) 70%, random effect: P = .002, OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.15-0.65). Early pericardial effusion (6.9% vs 46.2%, I(2) 67%, random effect: P < .0001, OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04-0.28) and late pericardial effusion (0% vs 11.3%, I(2) 0%, fixed effect: P = .0001, OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.21) were significantly less frequent in the PP group. Pleural effusion (5 studies included: 22.2% vs 17.1%, I(2) 0%, fixed effect: P = .10, OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.94-2.08) and pulmonary complications were only slightly more frequent in the PP group (4 studies included: 3.6% vs 2.5%, I(2) 0%, fixed effect: P = .46, OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.54-3.86). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior pericardiotomy seems to significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation and supraventricular arrhythmias after coronary artery bypass grafting. The marked reduction of postoperative pericardial effusion after posterior pericardiotomy suggests that pericardial effusion is one of the main triggers involved in the development of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.
Abstract: AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative cardiac function and haemodynamic parameters on the immediate outcome after repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA). METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 68 consecutive patients who underwent emergency repair of RAAA. Baseline pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac index, oxygen saturation and pulse rate were measured and recorded immediately after insertion of a pulmonary artery thermodilution catheter and before anaesthesia induction. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 39.7%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of cardiac index was 0.74 (95% CI 0.61-0.86), of stroke volume index was 0.78 (95% CI 0.67-0.89) and for oxygen delivery 0.72 (95% CI 0.60-0.84) for prediction of in-hospital death. The best cut-off values of cardiac index was 2.7 l/min/m(2) (18.8% vs. 58.3%, OR 6.07, 95% CI 2.00-18.37), of stroke volume index was 27 ml/m(2) (23.1% vs. 62.1%, OR 5.46, 95% CI 1.90-15.70) and of oxygen delivery was 370 ml/min/m(2) (17.9% vs. 56.4%, OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.87-18.91). Multivariate analysis showed that patient's age (P=0.01, OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.44), stroke volume index (P=0.018, OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.98), and shock (P=0.007, OR 14.20, 95% CI 2.09-96.67) were independent predictors of in-hospital death. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that impaired cardiac function and suboptimal oxyhaemodynamic parameters are important determinants of death after repair of RAAA.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We derived a new risk-scoring method by modifying some of the risk factors included in the EuroSCORE algorithm. METHODS: This study includes 3613 patients who underwent cardiac surgery at the Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland. The EuroSCORE variables, along with modified age classes (< 60 years, 60-69.9 years, 70-79.9 years and > or = 80 years), eGFR-based chronic kidney disease classes (classes 1-2, class 3 and classes 4-5) and the number of cardiac procedures, were entered into the regression analysis. RESULTS: An additive risk score was calculated according to the results of logistic regression by adding the risk of the following variables: patients' age classes (0, 2, 4 and 6 points), female (2 points), pulmonary disease (3 points), extracardiac arteriopathy (2 points), neurological dysfunction (4 points), redo surgery (3 points), critical preoperative status (8 points), left ventricular ejection fraction (> 50%: 0; 30-50%: 2 and < 30%: 3 points), thoracic aortic surgery (8 points), postinfarct septal rupture (9 points), chronic kidney disease classes (0, 3 and 6 points), number of procedures (1: 0; 2: 2 and 3 or more: 7 points). The modified score had a better area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (additive: 0.867; logistic: 0.873) than the EuroSCORE (additive: 0.835; logistic: 0.840) in predicting 30-day postoperative mortality. The modified score, but not EuroSCORE, correctly estimated the 30-day postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: EuroSCORE still performs well in identifying high-risk patients, but significantly overestimates the immediate postoperative mortality. This study shows that the score's accuracy and clinical relevance can be significantly improved by modifying a few of its variables. This institutionally derived risk-scoring method represents a modification and simplification of the EuroSCORE and, likely, it would provide a more realistic estimation of the mortality risk after adult cardiac surgery.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) account for up to 20% of patients with unruptured AAA undergoing open repair. This condition is associated with an average postoperative mortality rate after open repair of about 16%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a consecutive series of patients who underwent endovascular repair for symptomatic, unruptured AAA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2000 to October 2006, 14 patients underwent endovascular repair of intact AAA within 15 days since admission for AAA-related symptoms. In these patients, a Zenith stent-graft (Cook Incorporated, Bloomington, IN, USA) was deployed at the Oulu University Hospital, Kuopio University Hospital and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. RESULTS: Stent-grafting was not successful in one patient because of access failure. The procedure was immediately converted to open repair and an aortobifemoral bypass with a Dacron prosthesis was performed. In the remaining 13 patients, bifurcated Zenith stent-grafts were deployed. After the procedure, type II endoleak was observed in three patients. The mean follow-up time was 1.9+/-1.4 years. The 2-year survival rate was 69%. The survival freedom from secondary procedure was 71% as one patient underwent stent-grafting for a distal type I endoleak 5 months after the procedure. Another patient underwent femoro-femoral cross-over bypass surgery because of right limb graft thrombosis which occurred 9 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that endovascular repair of symptomatic, unruptured AAA is feasible and can be associated with a favourable outcome despite a very high operative risk.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: We have evaluated the immediate and intermediate outcome after off-pump (OPCAB) and conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CCAB) in patients with unstable angina pectoris requiring nitrates infusion until arrival in the operating room. METHODS: A consecutive series of 153 and 161 patients with unrelenting angina pectoris underwent CCAB and OPCAB, respectively. Conversion from OPCAB to beating heart surgery with perfusion occurred in 4 patients. RESULTS: The OPCAB patients had a significantly higher operative risk than CCAB patients (logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation [EuroSCORE]: 13.8 +/- 12.8% vs 10.5 +/- 10.0%, p = 0.005). In the overall series, a lower 30-day postoperative mortality was observed among OPCAB patients (1.9% vs 3.9%, p = 0.33), the difference increased along the logistic EuroSCORE tertiles (upper tertile: 3.2% vs 9.5%, p = 0.14), but failed to reach statistical significance. Similar results have been observed among one-to-one propensity score matched pairs. The results of three surgeons who treated most of their patients (96.9%) with OPCAB were compared with those of three surgeons who used, in most of cases (97.1%), the CCAB technique. When adjusted for logistic EuroSCORE, patients operated on by CCAB surgeons had a significantly higher 30-day postoperative mortality (7.1% vs 2.1%, p = 0.04; odds ratio [OR] 10.143; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.084 to 94.945) as well as a higher risk of combined adverse events (47.1% vs. 35.1%, p = 0.009; OR 2.586; 95% CI 1.274 to 5.250). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided further evidence on the safety and efficacy of OPCAB in the treatment of high-risk patients. A dedicated approach to OPCAB seems to provide particularly good results. Such findings further support a more confident approach with OPCAB in these patients.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of statins in reducing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth rate and improving freedom from aneurysm repair or rupture. One hundred and twenty-one patients with AAA undergoing ultrasonographic surveillance for at least one year were included in this retrospective study. Patients treated with statins had a decreased linear aneurysm growth rate than those not receiving statins (1.9+/-1.8 mm/year vs. 2.6+/-2.4 mm/year, P=0.27), but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Statin users had a better survival freedom from aneurysm repair or rupture (at 5 years: 72.3% vs. 52.5%, P=0.048). The impact of treatment with statins was even more evident in patients with a baseline aneurysm diameter<40 mm (at 5 years: 84.0% vs. 58.8%, P=0.022). When adjusted for age, coronary artery disease and baseline aneurysm diameter, treatment with statins had significantly better survival freedom from aneurysm repair or rupture (P=0.012, RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.78). The use of statins seems to slightly decrease the AAA growth rate and to significantly improve freedom from aneurysm repair and rupture.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to validate the Finnvasc score for prediction of immediate outcome after infrainguinal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for critical lower limb ischemia (CLI). Our registry included prospective data on 512 patients who underwent isolated infrainguinal PTA revascularization procedures for CLI. The Finnvasc score herein evaluated was calculated by assigning one point each to diabetes, coronary artery disease, foot gangrene, and urgent operation. Early mortality and major limb amputation rates after PTA revascularization were 2.5% and 12.3%, respectively. Seventy-two patients (14.1%) died and/or had lower limb amputation. Diabetes (p = 0.001), foot gangrene (p = 0.047), urgent operation (p < 0.0001), and preoperative renal failure (p = 0.001) were independent predictors of postoperative mortality and/or major limb amputation. Finnvasc score was predictive of major lower limb amputation (p = 0.003), mortality (p < 0.0001), and mortality and/or major amputation (p < 0.0001) after PTA. Mortality, major lower limb amputation, and combined end point rates in patients with a Finnvasc score of 3-4 were 12.8%, 25.6%, and 35.9%, respectively. The Finnvasc score is a simple risk scoring method which can be useful to estimate the risk of immediate postprocedural mortality and/or major lower limb amputation also in patients undergoing infrainguinal PTA for CLI.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to estimate the need for late lower limb revascularization and/or major amputation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DESIGN: Retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1307 residents of Oulu who underwent CABG from 1990 to 2006 formed the basis of this community-wide study. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 7.1+/-4.5 years, 111 patients (8.5%) underwent 251 vascular procedures for lower limb ischemia and 25 major amputations. In four patients, revascularization was done for complicated wound after vein graft harvesting. Freedom rates from lower limb revascularization and/or major amputation at 5-, 10- and 15-year were 92.9%, 88.4% and 85.1%, whereas freedom rates from lower limb revascularization for critical ischemia and/or major amputation were 98.1%, 95.2% and 94.7%. Age (p=0.013, HR 1.05), extracardiac arteriopathy (p<0.0001, HR 5.39), left ventricular ejection fraction classes (p=0.03), diabetes (p<0.0001, HR 5.78), and estimated glomerular filtration rate<60mg/min/m(2) (p=0.02, HR 2.22) were independent predictors of lower limb revascularization for critical leg ischemia and/or major amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with extracardiac arteriopathy, diabetes and decreased glomerular filtration rate at the time of CABG are at risk for late lower limb ischemia. These patients would most benefit of a closer follow-up for prevention of peripheral vascular disease and its related complications.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Long-term outcome after endarterectomy of the femoral bifurcation has not been widely investigated, and the aim of this study was to assess its late results from a community-wide perspective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 2006 111 isolated endarterectomies of the common femoral artery and/or the proximal part of the superficial femoral artery or profunda femoris were performed in 90 patients at the Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland. A total of 77 limbs were treated surgically for claudication and 34 others for critical limb ischemia. Angiographic findings of 100 extremities were evaluated. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.8%. The mean follow-up period was 5.9 years. At 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-up the overall survival was 60.5%, 32.7%, and 17.6%, respectively (S.E < 0.05). A C-reactive protein value > or = 10 mg/l was predictive of poor late survival (p = 0.008). Limb salvage rates after isolated femoral endarterectomy at 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-up were 93.7%, 93.7%, and 85.2%, respectively (S.E. < 0.08). Critical limb ischemia (p = 0.006) and current smoking (p = 0.027) were independent predictors of major lower limb amputation. A total of 41 limbs were subjected to ipsilateral vascular procedures after femoral endarterectomy, only one of which was re-endarterectomy. Freedom from any ipsilateral revascularization procedure at 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-up was calculated at 68.0%, 50.6%, and 42.5%, respectively (S.E. < 0.08). The overall linearized rate of reintervention on the ipsilateral limb was 0.16 +/- 0.44/year. The linearized rate among patients who had any ipsilateral vascular reintervention was 0.43 +/- 0.66/year. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated femoral endarterectomy is a rather low-risk and durable procedure. However, a significant number of reinterventions distal or proximal to the endarterectomized site can be expected in one third of patients.
Abstract: Three hundred and two patients were evaluated for the EuroSCORE risk and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during three years after CABG as assessed by the 15D instrument. Both additive and logistic EuroSCORE correlated significantly with the 15D score at 6, 18 and 36 months. A clinically important increase > or =0.03 in the 15D score was achieved by 50.6% of patients at 6 months, 40.0% at 18 months and 35.9% at 36 months. The rates were similar among patients with increasing EuroSCORE at 6 and 18 months, but tended to decrease at 36 months in the highest EuroSCORE group (EuroSCORE 0-2: 46.8%; 3-5: 34.8%; and 6-14: 33.3%, respectively, P=0.13). Both additive (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC: 0.582, P=0.024) and logistic EuroSCORE (AUC: 0.575, P=0.039) were predictors of a significant increase of the 15D score. The best cut-off value of the additive EuroSCORE for prediction of a clinically important improvement of the 15D score during 3-year follow-up was 3, as 46.7% of patients with EuroSCORE 0-3 and 30.1% of patients with a score >3 (P=0.006) improved clinically. The present study showed that the EuroSCORE also predicts long-term HRQoL after CABG.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The selection of patients who will undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy is primarily based on the histopathologic features of cutaneous melanoma. The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic factors that predict the sentinel lymph node metastasis in melanoma. METHODS: Sixty-nine melanoma patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy at Padova Plastic Surgery Institute. Univariate chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the relationship between prognostic factors and positive sentinel lymph node. A Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) Curve was performed to identify the ideal Breslow thickness cutpoint at which to perform sentinel node biopsy. RESULTS: Eleven of the 69 patients (16%) had sentinel lymph node metastases. By univariate analyses Breslow's thickness (p=0.001), ulceration (p=0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (p<0.0001) were found to be significant prognostic factors for the prediction of sentinel node micrometastases. The ROC Curve identified a Breslow thickness of 1.19 mm to be the most suitable cutpoint for sentinel lymph node positivity (p=0.003, sensibility 80%, specificity 69.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Breslow thickness >or=1.19 mm, ulceration, and lymphovascular invasion are at higher risk for occult lymph node metastases. In addition it is important to use multiple selection criteria when performing sentinel lymph node biopsy especially in patients with thin melanomas.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on the 15-year outcome after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in a community-wide population study. METHODS: Eight hundred and eighty-two patients who underwent CABG were included in this study. eGFR was estimated by the modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study equation. RESULTS: Among 30-day operative survivors, patients with eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) had significantly poorer overall survival (at 5, 10 and 15 year, 84.7%, 63.5% and 43.8% vs 92.8%, 77.6% and 58.3%, respectively, p<0.0001). eGFR (HR 0.989, 95% CI 0.981-0.997, as well as eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2): HR 1.470, 95% CI 1.092-1.979) was an independent predictor of late all-cause mortality only when patients' age was excluded from the regression model. This was probably due to strong impact of age on eGFR. eGFR (HR 0.987, 95% CI 0.975-0.998, as well as eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2); HR 1.612, 95% CI 1.086-2.395) was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality secondary to ischemic heart disease or ischemic stroke. eGFR (HR 0.991, 95% CI 0.983-0.999, as well as eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2): HR 1.396 95% CI 1.031-1.891) was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity (myocardial infarction, stroke, need for redo CABG or PCI). When both preoperative serum creatinine and eGFR were included in the regression model, only eGFR was predictive of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and combined cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that an eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) is an important determinant of long-term outcome after isolated CABG. Since its predictive value seems to be superior to serum creatinine, eGFR may be useful to identify those patients undergoing CABG with subclinical chronic kidney disease.
Abstract: AIM: The authors have evaluated the postoperative changes of natriuretic peptides, apelin and adrenomedullin after off-pump (OPCAB) and on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CCAB) to assess the impact of these techniques on the myocardium. METHODS: Twenty-two patients underwent OPCAB and 24 patients underwent CCAB. Plasma levels of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP, apelin and adrenomedullin were measured preoperatively, and on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th postoperative day. RESULTS: Natriuretic peptides, apelin and adrenomedullin increased significantly postoperatively. Natriuretic peptides were markedly elevated on the fifth postoperative day. Apelin was still increasing, but adrenomedullin, although elevated, clearly decreased toward baseline levels on the fifth postoperative day. CCAB was associated with significantly higher postoperative cTnI, but levels of natriuretic peptides, adrenomedullin and apelin did not differ significantly after CCAB and OPCAB. cTnI, echocardiographic parameters, cardiac index, and degree of postoperative pericardial effusion did not correlate with levels of natriuretic peptides, apelin and adrenomedullin. Postoperative levels of natriuretic peptides were significantly associated with parameters of renal function, age, and extracardiac arteriopathy. The correlation between preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate and natriuretic peptides increased along the study intervals (NT-proANP rho: -0.181, -0.350, -0.364, and -0.442; NT-proBNP rho: -0.112, -0.420, -0.405 and -0.550). Also adrenomedullin correlated with parameters of renal function. The postoperative levels of apelin were not associated with any variable. CONCLUSION: A marked, sustained and similar increase in these five markers of cardiac adaptation was detected after OPCAB and CCAB. The upregulation of these peptides should be further investigated to evaluate their potential beneficial/harmful impact on the outcome after coronary surgery.
Abstract: We have reviewed the results of our experience with the use of miniaturized (Mini-CPB) versus conventional (C-CPB) cardiopulmonary bypass in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). This study included 365 patients who underwent CABG with C-CPB and 101 patients with Mini-CPB. In-hospital mortality was lower in the C-CPB group (1.4% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.38). A better, but not statistically significant, immediate outcome was observed in the C-CPB group as indicated by a shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit as well as a lower incidence of combined adverse end-point. However, this was probably due to significantly higher operative risk in the Mini-CPB group (logistic EuroSCORE: 8.5 +/- 10.0 vs. 4.6 +/- 7.1, P < 0.0001). Seventy-seven propensity score-matched pairs had similar immediate postoperative results after Mini-CPB and C-CPB (30-day mortality: 1.3% vs. 1.3%; stroke: 0% vs. 0%; intensive care unit stay > or = 5 days: 6.5% vs. 9.1%; combined adverse events: 14.3% vs. 11.7%). Mini-CPB achieves similar results to C-CPB in patients undergoing isolated CABG. The potential efficacy of Mini-CPB is expected to be more evident in high-risk patients or in complex cardiac surgery requiring much longer cardiopulmonary perfusion.
Abstract: PURPOSE: The Spyder aortic connector (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) is a new, promising connector device and its safety and efficacy have been evaluated in this study. DESCRIPTION: Twenty-two patients were randomized to proximal vein graft anastomosis with the Spyder aortic connector (Medtronic) or hand-sewn technique. EVALUATION: Twenty patients underwent multi-detector computed tomographic scans of the chest 6 months after surgery to evaluate vein graft patency. We have failed to successfully deploy three Spyder connector devices. Thus in this study we have evaluated the graft patency of 19 hand-sewn grafts and of 19 vein grafts anastomosed with the Spyder anastomotic device. Three vein grafts whose proximal anastomosis was accomplished with the Spyder anastomotic connector were occluded and all hand-sewn vein grafts were patent (16% vs 0%; p = 0.23). Stenosis of the proximal anastomosis was observed in seven vein grafts (37%), accomplished with the Spyder anastomotic connector, and in one (5%) hand-sewn vein graft (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the use of the Spyder aortic connector device is associated with suboptimal 6-month graft patency.
Abstract: AIM: In order to investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) over conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CCAB), we have performed a prospective randomized study evaluating retinal circulation changes after OPCAB and CCAB. METHODS: Twenty patients were randomized to OPCAB or CCAB. Retinal fluorescein angiography and 60 degrees black-and-white as well as color fundus photographs of both eyes of each patient were taken 1 to 24 h before and 5 to 6 days after the operation. RESULTS: Patients undergoing OPCAB had more severely stenosed carotid arteries (P=0.075), higher incidence of slightly diseased ascending aorta (P=0.087) and higher Northern New England Cardiovascular Study Group stroke risk score (P=0.075). Neither stroke nor transient ischemic attack occurred postoperatively in these patients. Inferotemporal retinal arterial embolization and microinfarction was detected in one patient after CCAB, but in none of the OPCAB group. CONCLUSION: The risk of retinal embolism can be minimized by the use of OPCAB and, most likely, by adequate epiaortic ultrasound scanning of the ascending aorta and avoiding clamping in case of severely diseased aorta.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation score (EuroSCORE) has been shown to be a valid tool for predicting immediate and late outcome after coronary artery bypass surgery. As evidence also suggests its value in heart valve surgery, this issue was investigated in a series of patients who underwent surgery for mitral valve regurgitation. METHODS: Data obtained from 180 patients who underwent mitral valve repair (MVRep) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) were reviewed, and the patients' additive and logistic EuroSCOREs calculated. RESULTS: The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 10.0% (n = 18); rates were 7.1% after MVRep and 20.5% after MVR (p = 0.013). The additive EuroSCORE (p <0.0001, area under the ROC curve: 0.804, 95% CI 0.689-0.919, SE 0.059), as well as logistic EuroSCORE (p <0.0001, area under the ROC curve: 0.806, 95% CI 0.695-0.918, SE 0.057) were predictors of 30-day postoperative death. The 10-year overall survival rate from any cause of death was 74.7%. Additive and logistic EuroSCOREs were significantly higher in the MVR group compared to the MVRep group (p <0.0001 in both cases), and also among operative survivors. Patients who underwent MVR had a significantly poorer long-term survival than those with MVRep (p = 0.01). Both the additive EuroSCORE (p <0.0001) and logistic EuroSCORE (p = 0.003) were predictors of late, all-cause mortality. Both scores remained significant predictors of late outcome also when adjusted for type of surgery (MVRep versus MVR). Survival was particularly dismal in patients with an additive EuroSCORE >6 (at 10 years, 54.4% versus 86.6%, p <0.00001) or a logistic EuroSCORE >4% (at 10 years, 58.7% versus 86.6%, p <0.00001). CONCLUSION: EuroSCORE is an important predictor of immediate and late outcome after surgery for mitral valve regurgitation.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictor factors of in-hospital postoperative mortality in patients presenting with symptomatic but not ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients who underwent urgent open repair for symptomatic, non-ruptured AAA were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Five patients (11.9%) died during the in-hospital stay. History of coronary artery disease (p=0.014), cerebrovascular diseases (p=0.015), renal failure according to Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS) criteria (p=0.001), serum creatinine concentration (p=0.026), and the GAS (p=0.008) were predictive of postoperative death. The ROC curve analysis showed that the Glasgow Aneurysm Score had an area under the curve of 0.870 (95%C.I. 0.71-1, S.E. 0.08, p=0.008), and its best cut-off value in predicting postoperative death was 90.0 (specificity 89.2%, sensitivity 80.0%). The postoperative mortality rate of patients with a Glasgow Aneurysm Score below 90 was 2.9%, whereas it was 50% for those with a score >or=90 (p=0.003, O.R. 33.0). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the Glasgow Aneurysm Score is a good predictor of postoperative mortality and morbidity after urgent repair of symptomatic, non-ruptured AAA and can be useful in identifying those patients whose operative risk is prohibitive. Its simplicity makes it a clinically important tool, particularly, in the emergency setting. Patients having a score less than 90 can safely undergo urgent open repair. Thorough evaluation and improvement of preoperative status followed preferably by an endovascular repair is indicated for those with a score >or=90.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The value of off-pump over conventional coronary artery bypass surgery in reducing the risk of postoperative stroke is controversial. This issue has been evaluated in light of our recent clinical experience. METHODS: Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery was performed in 557 patients, and conventional coronary artery bypass surgery was performed in 445 patients. Preoperative stroke risk was calculated according to the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group stroke risk-scoring method. RESULTS: Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery was associated with a lower but not significant rate of postoperative stroke in the overall series (1.8% vs 2.5%, P = .45), a difference that slightly increased in the highest tertile of the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group score (2.8% vs 4.2%, P = .75). The postoperative stroke rate was significantly lower when the operation was performed by off-pump coronary artery bypass surgeons using routinely epiaortic ultrasonographic scanning compared with conventional coronary artery bypass surgeons not using epiaortic ultrasonographic scanning (0.4% vs 3.9%, P = .015). The Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group score (mean, 4.6 +/- 2.1 vs 4.9 +/- 2.2; P = .189) was similar in these groups. Logistic regression showed that when adjusted for Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group stroke risk score and critical preoperative status, the treatment approach (off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and routine epiaortic ultrasonographic scanning) was an independent predictor of postoperative stroke (P = .012; odds ratio, 34.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-533.7). CONCLUSIONS: The neuroprotective efficacy of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is marginal compared with that of conventional coronary artery bypass surgery. A decreased risk of postoperative stroke after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is expected, mostly in high-risk patients and when epiaortic ultrasonographic examination is routinely used for better planning of operative strategy, aiming to minimize the risk of intraoperative embolism.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The healing of a metaphyseal fracture line is a major problem in cases of distal tibial fracture treated with external fixation. METHODS: Forty-seven distal tibial fractures treated with two-ring Ilizarov hybrid external fixation (16 AO/OTA type A and 31 type C, 10 open) were followed up. Fracture reduction and union time was evaluated and IOWA and RAND 36-Item Health Survey scores were used to assess functional outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-five fractures united uneventfully in a median time of 20 weeks, but 12 fractures needed additional procedures because of delayed union. According to univariate analysis, the risk factors for a longer time needed for fracture union were translational displacement and current smoking, and the risk factors for reoperation because of delayed union translational displacement fibular fracture fixation, and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. In multivariate analysis, translational displacement was a risk factor for both longer time to fracture union and reoperation and fibular fracture fixation was a risk factor for reoperation. If the translational displacement was less than 3 mm, the reoperation rate was 6%, whereas if the displacement was more than 3 mm, it was 83%. Reoperation was performed on 50% of the patients who underwent fibular fixation and on 15% of the patients who did not undergo fibular fixation. There were only marginal decreases in the range of motion and arthritis scores in the AO/OTA fracture types other than type C3. There were no significant differences in RAND 36 scores between the general Finnish population aged 18 to 64 years and our patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid external fixation of distal tibial fractures is associated with delayed union, which is closely related to the degree of residual translational displacement after reduction. Fixation of an associated fibular fracture does not help to achieve better contact in the tibial fracture and increases the risk of delayed union.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the results of off-pump (OPCAB) versus conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CCAB) in high-risk patients. METHODS: In a cohort of patients with an additive EuroSCORE >/= 6, 67 underwent OPCAB and 112 underwent CCAB. RESULTS: Thirty-day postoperative death and stroke rates were 7.5 % and 6.0 % for the OPCAB group, and 5.4 % ( P = 0.75) and 8.0 % ( P = 0.77) for the CCAB group, respectively. No significant differences were observed for other major outcome endpoints other than cardiac troponin I (OPCAB: 117 +/- 428 ng/ml vs. CCAB: 58 +/- 99 ng/ml, P = 0.028), a result which was probably due to preoperative massive myocardial infarction in two very high-risk patients who underwent OPCAB. A similar outcome was also observed among propensity score-matched pairs. Congestive heart failure ( P = 0.006, OR: 6.366, 95 % CI: 1.682 - 24.093) and baseline cardiac index ( P = 0.018, OR: 0.171, 95 % CI: 0.040 - 0.735) were independent predictors of 30-day postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: OPCAB can be safely performed in high-risk patients with results as satisfactory as those achieved with CCAB.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to develop a risk-scoring method for prediction of immediate postoperative outcome after infrainguinal surgical revascularization for critical limb ischemia. METHODS: The Finnvasc registry included data on 3,925 infrainguinal surgical revascularization procedures. This database was randomly divided into a derivation and a validation data set of similar sizes. RESULTS: In the overall series, 30-day postoperative mortality and major amputation rates were 3.1% and 6.3%, respectively. The 30-day postoperative mortality and/or limb-loss rate was 9.2%. Diabetes, coronary artery disease, foot gangrene, and urgent operation were independent predictors of 30-day postoperative mortality and/or major lower-limb amputation. A risk score was developed by assigning 1 point each to the latter risk factors. In the derivation data set, the 30-day postoperative mortality/amputation rates in patients with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 7.7%, 6.4%, 11.1%, 20.4%, and 27.3%, respectively, (P < 0.0001); mortality rates were 1.3%, 2.3%, 4.1%, 7.7%, and 12.1%, respectively, (P < 0.0001); and major amputation rates were 6.4%, 4.3%, 7.1%, 12.7%, and 18.2%, respectively, (P < 0.0001). In the validation data set, the 30-day postoperative mortality/amputation rates in patients with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 4.8%, 7.5%, 10.1%, 15.9%, and 22.2%, respectively, (P < 0.0001); mortality rates were 0.7%, 2.3%, 4.2%, 5.5%, and 14.8%, respectively, (P < 0.0001); and major amputation rates were 4.6%, 5.3%, 6.4%, 11.0%, and 14.0%, respectively (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: This simple risk-scoring method can be useful to stratify the immediate postoperative outcome of patients undergoing infrainguinal surgical revascularization for critical lower-limb ischemia.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) after coronary artery bypass surgery is ill defined. METHODS: Twenty-four patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in a prospective randomized study evaluating a new proximal aortic anastomotic device. Computed tomography was performed postoperatively about 1 week after surgery. RESULTS: Computed tomography showed signs of PE in 6 patients (25%), which were bilateral in 2 cases. None of these patients had symptoms or signs of PE or deep venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings widen the controversial issue of thromboprophylaxis after cardiac surgery and suggest that low-dose heparin may be indicated after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Avoidance of manipulation of diseased ascending aorta has been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of postoperative stroke after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). The use of the Heartstring device (Guidant, Indianapolis, USA) to accomplish a proximal aortic anastomosis without aortic clamping has been suggested in such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2004 to December 2005, proximal aortic anastomoses have been accomplished employing the Heartstring device in 19 patients with calcified ascending aorta who underwent OPCAB. The diagnosis of diseased ascending aorta was made intraoperatively by epiaortic ultrasound scanning. RESULTS: Eighteen vein grafts and three radial artery grafts have been successfully anastomosed to the ascending aorta by employing the Heartstring device. Breaking of eight seals occurred during insertion. One patient (5.2%) had stroke two days after urgent OPCAB. CONCLUSION: The use of the Heartstring anastomotic device should be considered in high-risk patients with diseased ascending aorta requiring a prompt myocardial revascularization, whenever there is a place to safely insert this device into the ascending aorta.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify the preoperative risk factors associated with increased prevalence of atherosclerotic lesions of the ascending aorta among patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: OPCAB was performed in 241 patients who were intraoperatively investigated by epiaortic ultrasound for the presence of atherosclerotic lesions of the ascending aorta. The Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group (NNECVDSG) and the Multicenter Study of Perioperative Ischemia (McSPI) stroke risk scores were retrospectively calculated. RESULTS: A diseased ascending aorta was detected by intraoperative epiaortic ultrasound in 74 patients (30.7%). Patient's age (P = .002, odds ratio [OR] 1.067, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.025-1.110), diabetes (P = .023; OR, 2.211; 95% CI, 1.117-4.378), extracardiac arteriopathy (P = .014; OR, 2.567; 95% CI, 1.214-5.428) and urgent/emergency operation (P < .0001; OR, 3.066; 95% CI, 1.685-5.580) were independent preoperative predictors of a diseased ascending aorta. The area under the ROC curve of the NNECVDSG score in predicting a diseased ascending aorta was 0.710 (95% CI, 0.642-0.778), and that of the McSPI score was 0.722 (95% CI, 0.655-0.788). The prevalence of a diseased ascending aorta was 11.2%, 34.7%, and 49.4% among the NNECVDSG score tertiles (P < .0001), and 11.3%, 31.7%, and 49.4% among the McSPI score tertiles (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the reported high incidence of a diseased ascending aorta in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Current stroke risk scores, particularly the simple NNECVDSG score, are valuable predictors of increased prevalence of a diseased ascending aorta.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with the presence and severity of atherosclerosis, and with increased risk of coronary events as well as of cardiac events after coronary percutaneous intervention. METHODS: We have investigated whether preoperative CRP had an impact on the long-term outcome of 843 patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). RESULTS: Among operative survivors, patients with preoperative CRP < 1.0 mg/dL had significantly better 12-year overall survival rate (74.1% vs 63.0%, p = 0.004) and survival freedom from fatal cardiac event (86.7% vs 78.1%). Multivariate analysis including patients' age, extracardiac arteriopathy, urgent/emergent operation, recent myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, transient ischemic attack/stroke, number of distal anastomoses, diabetes, and preoperative CRP > or = 1.0 mg/dL or <1.0 mg/dL, showed that the latter was an independent predictor of late all-cause mortality (p = 0.017, RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.09-2.35). Its impact on overall survival was particularly evident in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (CRP < 1.0 mg/dL: 58.7% vs CRP > or = 1.0 mg/dL: 43.7%, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased preoperative levels of CRP are associated with significantly decreased overall survival after primary on-pump CABG.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FDP) is a high-energy intermediate that enhances glycolysis, preserves cellular adenosine triphosphate stores, and prevents the increase of intracellular calcium in ischemic tissue. Since it has been shown to provide metabolic support to the brain during ischemia, we planned this study to evaluate whether FDP is neuroprotective in the setting of combining hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) and irreversible embolic brain ischemic injury. METHODS: Twenty pigs were randomly assigned to receive 2 intravenous infusions of either FDP (500 mg/kg) or saline. The first infusion was given just before a 25-minute period of HCA and the second infusion immediately after HCA. Immediately before HCA, the descending aorta was clamped and 200 mg of albumin-coated polystyrene microspheres (250-750 mm in diameter) were injected into the isolated aortic arch in both study groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the study groups in terms of neurological outcome. Brain lactate/pyruvate ratio was significantly lower (P = .015) and brain pyruvate levels (P = .013) were significantly higher in the FDP group compared with controls. Brain lactate levels were significantly higher 8 hours after HCA (P = .049). CONCLUSION: The administration of FDP before and immediately after HCA combined with embolic brain ischemic injury was associated with significantly lower brain lactate/pyruvate ratio and significantly higher levels of brain pyruvate, as well as lower lactate levels 8 hours after HCA. FDP seems to protect the brain by supporting energy metabolism. The neurological outcome was not improved, most likely resulting from the irreversible nature of the microsphere occlusion.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic in cardiac surgery. It has been shown to increase cerebrovascular resistance resulting in decreased cerebral blood flow. Efficient brain perfusion and tissue oxygenation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is essential in surgery requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). The effects of propofol on brain metabolism are reported in a surviving porcine model of HCA. METHODS: Twenty female juvenile pigs undergoing 75 minutes of HCA at a brain temperature of 18 degrees C were assigned to either propofol- or isoflurane anesthesia combined with alpha-stat perfusion strategy during CPB cooling and rewarming. Brain microdialysis analysis was used for determination of brain metabolism, and tissue oxygen partial pressure and intracranial pressures were also followed-up until 8 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Brain concentrations of glutamate and glycerol were significantly higher in the propofol group throughout the experiment (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). The lactate/pyruvate ratio was significantly higher in the propofol group at 6-, 7-, and 8-hour intervals (P < .05, P < .01, and P < .05, respectively). The intracranial pressure was significantly higher at the 8-hour postoperative interval (P < .05) in the propofol group. A trend toward higher brain oxygen concentrations was observed in the isoflurane group. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia with propofol as compared with isoflurane is associated with impaired brain metabolism during experimental HCA.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) is associated with a risk of death approaching 80%. Prediction of immediate postoperative death in this condition assumes obvious relevance because it may be helpful in preoperative risk stratification. METHODS: One hundred fourteen patients underwent emergency open repair of RAAA. Data were retrospectively collected, and preoperative risk assessment was done according to the Glasgow aneurysm score, the Hardman index, and the Chen calculated risk. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (44.7%) died during the immediate postoperative period. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the Glasgow aneurysm score, the Hardman index, and the Chen calculated risk was 0.906, 0.834, and 0.672, respectively. The mortality rate among patients with a Glasgow aneurysm score >85 was 88.9%, whereas in those with a lower score it was 15.9% (P < .0001). The mortality rate among patients with a Hardman index > or =2 was 81.1%, whereas it was 27.3% in those with a lower score (P < .0001). The mortality rate in patients with a Chen calculated mortality risk >37% was 62.0%, whereas it was 31.3% in those with a calculated risk < or =37% (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that the Glasgow aneurysm score and, to a somewhat lower extent, the Hardman score are valuable predictors of immediate postoperative death after emergency open repair of RAAA.
Abstract: We report three cases of lower limb ischemia occurring after the use of arterial puncture closure devices (APCDs). In two patients, who have undergone percutaneous angioplasty of lower limb arteries, the Angio-Seal APCD led to thrombosis of the common femoral artery. In another patient who has undergone coronary angiography, this device has led to dissection of the common femoral artery. Since these observations seem to not be merely sporadic, radiologists and cardiologists as well as vascular surgeons should be aware of their possible occurrence in order to avoid these complications and to provide promptly an adequate treatment.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation score (EuroSCORE) has been shown to be of value in identifying patients at high risk for adverse immediate postoperative outcome after adult cardiac surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate EuroSCORE in predicting the 12-year outcome of patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). METHODS: We calculated the EuroSCORE in 917 patients who underwent CABG. The median follow-up was 11.7 years. RESULTS: Both additive and logistic EuroSCORE had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.856 for prediction of 30-day postoperative death. Among 912 operative survivors, the 10-year survival rates according to quintiles of additive EuroSCORE were 87.9%, 83.9%, 85.2%, 76.0%, and 51.3% (p < 0.0001). The 10-year survival rates according to quintiles of logistic EuroSCORE were 87.9%, 85.4%, 86.5%, 76.9%, and 58.9% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: EuroSCORE is a relevant predictor of immediate and late outcome after on-pump CABG.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Cardiopulmonary bypass-induced systemic inflammatory reaction involving the expression of neutrophil surface adhesion molecules is the main mechanism leading to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury as well as multiorgan dysfunction. Patients undergoing prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass are especially at risk in this regard. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to evaluate the impact of continuous leukocyte filtration on the perioperative expression of neutrophil adhesion molecules along with the markers of systemic inflammation during combined coronary artery revascularization and aortic valve surgery due to aortic stenosis. PATIENT AND METHODS: Twenty patients scheduled for combined coronary artery revascularization and aortic valve surgery due to aortic stenosis were randomized to undergo cardiopulmonary bypass with or without a leukocyte filter (LeukoGuard LG6). The expression of neutrophil adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokine response were measured. RESULTS: The use of the leukocyte filter significantly increased neutrophil CD11b expression (Pg = .003) compared to the control group, which was followed by a faster rise in interleukin-6 levels 5 minutes (median, 125 versus 34 pg/mL) and 2 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass (median, 158 versus 92 pg/mL, Pt x g < .001), respectively. No marked differences in terms of levels of CD11a, CD62L, cardiac troponin-I, or oxyhemodynamics were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The observed increased neutrophil activation and enhanced inflammatory response do not support the use of continuous leukofiltration in patients undergoing prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of aortic connector devices for proximal vein graft anastomosis has been shown to be associated with a relevant rate of early graft complications. Cardica PAS-Port is a new aortic connector whose preliminary clinical results seem promising. The safety and efficacy of this aortic connector device have been evaluated in this prospective, randomized study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients were randomized to receive proximal aorta-vein graft anastomosis with either the Cardica PAS-port aortic connector or by the hand-sewn technique. Twenty-three patients underwent multidetector computed tomographic scan (MDCT) of the chest 6 months after surgery to evaluate graft patency. RESULTS: All aortic connector devices (18) were successfully deployed and 31 proximal anastomoses were performed by the hand-sewn technique. MDCT showed that 6-month freedom from vein graft complication was 22.2% in the PAS-Port group and 58.1% in the hand-sewn group (P = .04). Four vein grafts (22.2%) anastomosed with the PAS-Port and 2 hand-sewn vein grafts (6.5%) were occluded (P = .10). The use of the PAS-Port aortic connector was also predictive of any vein graft complication when adjusted for vein graft flow (P = .01; OR 8.64, 95% CI 1.66-45.00) and for peripheral resistance units (P = .02; OR 6.14, 95% CI 1.33-28.43). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this prematurely stopped, prospective, randomized study suggest that the use of PAS-Port aortic connector device is associated with a higher rate of early vein graft complications than the hand-sewn technique.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Aprotinin is a serine protease inhibitor, which is usually used during cardiac surgery to reduce blood loss. There is evidence that aprotinin has neuroprotective effects during ischemia. We planned this study to evaluate its potential neuroprotective efficacy during hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). METHODS: Twenty piglets with a median weight of 25.7 kg (interquartile range, 23.9-26.6) were randomly assigned to receive aprotinin or placebo prior to a 75-minute period of HCA at 18 degrees C. Brain microdialysis parameters and neurological and histological scores were the primary outcome measures. RESULTS: Changes in brain metabolic parameters and histopathological findings were favorable in the aprotinin group. Brain lactate concentrations were significantly lower in the aprotinin group during the experiment (P = .02) along with blood lactate concentrations in the aprotinin group (P = .023). Brain glucose was significantly higher during the experiment (P = 0.02). Intracranial pressure tended to be higher in the control group. Two of 10 animals in the aprotinin group and 4 of 10 in the control group failed to reach full recovery on the seventh postoperative day. Four animals of 10 in the aprotinin group and 6 animals of 10 in the control group had brain infarction (P = .40). CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that aprotinin mitigates cerebral damage and improves neurological outcome following a period of HCA.
Abstract: Secondary aortoenteric fistula is a dramatic, rather infrequent late complication occurring mostly after abdominal aortic surgery. Currently, graft excision and in situ bypass is considered the treatment of choice, but it is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Herein, we describe the case of a secondary aortoduodenal fistula treated by staged endovascular stent-grafting and surgical closure of the fistula. Forty days after stent-grafting, Tc-99m-HMPAO labelled leukocyte scanning failed to identify leukocyte infiltration of the graft and there were no clinical signs of infection. At 8-month follow up, the patient was asymptomatic.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS) in predicting the survival of 5498 patients who underwent endovascular repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and were enrolled in the EUROpean collaborators on Stent-graft Techniques for abdominal aortic Aneurysm Repair (EUROSTAR) Registry between October 1996 and March 2005. METHODS: The GAS was calculated in patients who underwent EVAR and was correlated to outcome measurements. RESULTS: The median GAS was 78.8 (interquartile range 71.9-86.4, mean 79.2). Tertile 30-day mortality rates were 1.1 per cent for patients with a GAS less than 74.4, 2.1 per cent for those with a score between 74.4 and 83.6, and 5.3 per cent for patients with a score over 83.6 (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that GAS was an independent predictor of postoperative death (P < 0.001). The receiver-operator characteristic curve showed that the GAS had an area under the curve of 0.70 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.66 to 0.74; s.e. 0.02; P < 0.001) for predicting immediate postoperative death. At its best cut-off value of 86.6, it had a sensitivity of 56.1 per cent, specificity 76.2 per cent and accuracy 75.6 per cent. Multivariable analysis showed that overall survival was significantly different among the tertiles of the GAS (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The GAS was effective in predicting outcome after EVAR. Because its efficacy has also been shown in patients undergoing open repair of AAA, it can be used to aid decisions about treatment in all patients with an AAA.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hypertonic saline dextran (HSD) has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. In the present study we have assessed its potential neuroprotective efficacy in the setting of hypothermic circulatory arrest in a surviving porcine model. METHODS: Twenty-four pigs were randomized to receive two 5-minute intravenous infusions (4 mL/kg) of either HSD (7.5 % saline, 6% dextran 70) or normal saline immediately after and 4 hours after a 75-minute period of hypothermic circulatory arrest at a brain temperature of 18 degrees C. RESULTS: The 7-day survival was 75% in the HSD group and 66% in the control group (p > 0.9). Brain total histopathologic score was lower in the HSD group (p = 0.01). Postoperative behavioral scores were higher in the HSD group on the second day after surgery (p = 0.03). Intracranial pressure was lower in the HSD group from 45 minutes to 8 hours after hypothermic circulatory arrest (p = 0.03). Cerebral perfusion pressure was higher in the HSD group from 45 minutes to 3 hours after hypothermic circulatory arrest (p = 0.06). Brain lactate concentration was lower in the HSD group when compared with controls (p = 0.05). Furthermore, brain glucose levels tended to be higher and brain lactate-pyruvate ratio and lactate-glucose ratio were lower in the HSD group. Brain tissue oxygen partial pressures were somewhat higher in the HSD group (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The use of HSD in experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest is associated with significantly better neurologic recovery, better histopathology, lower intracranial pressure, higher cerebral perfusion pressure, and better preservation of brain metabolism.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Tetracycline derivatives affect many cellular functions relevant to chronic cardiovascular pathologies, including cell proliferation, migration and matrix remodelling. Accordingly, we sought to determine whether they may modulate the pathologic characteristics known to be significantly involved in human aortic valve stenosis, such as gelatinase production, apoptosis, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). METHODS: The effects of tetracycline derivatives (tetracycline and CMTs-3, -5, -8) on MMP-2 and -9 and their endogenous tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1 and -2) production profiles in explanted human aortic valve pieces were examined by means of gelatine zymography and reverse zymography. Chemiluminescent ELISA was performed to assess VEGF and TNF-alpha concentrations in the medium, and in order to evaluate programmed cell death, in situ labelling of the 3'-ends of the DNA fragments generated by apoptosis-associated endonucleases was performed. RESULTS: CMT-3 and -8 lowered the MMP-9 and VEGF levels significantly in a drug-, dose-, and time-dependent manner. MMP-2 and TIMPs remained unchanged, emphasizing the specificity of CMTs to MMP-9 production on the one hand and restoring the beneficial equilibrium of MMP-9 and TIMPs on the other. Tetracycline was the only drug with a significant impact on net gelatinolytic activity, suggesting that the effect of tetracycline is more extensive concerning total MMP activity. CONCLUSIONS: Tetracycline derivatives may have therapeutic effects on the pathologic remodellation of advanced human aortic stenosis through the inhibition of MMP-9 and VEGF production.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several studies reported excellent long-term results after mitral valve repair for regurgitation, however a number of patients still experience recurrent mitral valve regurgitation which requires reoperation. We have evaluated the long-term outcome of a consecutive series of patients who underwent mitral valve repair for regurgitation in an attempt to identify the risk factors associated with late failures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred and sixty-four patients underwent mitral valve repair for ischemic and degenerative mitral valve regurgitation. Seventy-two patients underwent echocardiographic evaluation a median of 5.6 years after surgery. RESULTS: Ten-year survival freedom from any fatal cardiac event was 75.9% and survival freedom from redo mitral valve surgery was 93.8%. Multivariable analysis showed that residual mitral valve regurgitation grade>1 as assessed during the immediate postoperative period (at 10-year, 60.6% vs. 95.7%, p=0.001, RR 20.7, 95%C.I. 3.4-125.3) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma (at 10-year 66.8% vs. 95.2%, p=0.013, RR 12.0, 95%C.I. 1.7-85.2) were predictors of redo mitral valve surgery. The same findings were observed also among patients with myxomatous degenerative disease. At echocardiographic follow-up, no significant improvement was detected in terms of left ventricular ejection fraction, whilst mitral valve regurgitation grade (median, 3 to 1), New York Heart Association class (median, 2 to 1) and left atrium diameter (median, 50 to 44 mm) decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the excellent clinical long-term results after mitral valve repair. An adequate repair technique is advocated in order to decrease the immediate postoperative rate of residual regurgitation>1 as this is a main determinant of late failures requiring redo mitral valve surgery. Further studies are required to better define the possible causative role of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and any underlying connective tissue metabolic disorder in late failures after mitral valve repair.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury secondary to leukocyte activation has been widely recognized as one of the most relevant mechanism leading to postoperative organ dysfunction occurring after a period of ischemia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a prospective, randomized study, the value of leukocyte depleting filter in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: Twenty patients scheduled for elective on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were randomized to undergo cardiopulmonary bypass either with a leukocyte depleting filter incorporated in the extracorporeal circulation arterial line or without a filter. RESULTS: The main finding of this study was the significantly lower postoperative concentrations of cardiac troponin I in the leukocyte filter group (Tests of between-subjects effects: p = 0.024). There were also slightly better cardiac indices in the leukocyte filter group. A larger amount of blood units was infused intra- and postoperatively in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass with leukocyte filtration (median, 600 [IQR, 0-1200] vs. 0 [IQR, 0-600], p = 0.08). Two patients in the leukocyte filter group underwent reoperation for bleeding but none in the control group (p = 0.48). Intra-and postoperative platelet count was lower in the leukocyte filter group (Tests of between-subjects effects: p = 0.08). Despite a significant increased concentration of C-reactive protein on the first postoperative day in the control group (p = 0.029), repeated-measures analysis failed to show any significant increase during the study period (p = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest a myocardial protective effect of leukocyte filter in the setting of elective coronary artery bypass surgery.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of our experience in the management of patients with symptomatic, unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), to identify the predictors of immediate outcome and to define the worldwide postoperative mortality rate through a review of previous studies on this condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients underwent emergency repair for symptomatic, unruptured AAA. RESULTS: Four patients (9.5%) died during the in-hospital stay, three of myocardial infarction and one of multiorgan failure. Only preoperative creatinine was predictive of postoperative death (p = 0.04, OR 1.31). The Glasgow Aneurysm Score tended to be predictive of postoperative death (p = 0.06), survivors having had a median score of 76.0 (IQR, 75.5-82.1) and patients who died of 87.1 (78.9-89.9). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the Glasgow Aneurysm Score had an area under the curve of 0.789 (95% CI: 0.596-0.983, SE: 0.099, p = 0.06). Its best cut-off value in predicting postoperative death was 85 (specificity 86.8%, sensitivity 75.0%). The postoperative mortality rate among patients with a Glasgow Aneurysm Score <85 was 2.9%, whereas it was 37.5% among those with a score >85 (p = 0.003). A review of the results of previous studies on this condition, including also the present series, showed that 207 out of 1312 patients (15.8%) died after emergency operation for symptomatic, unruptured AAA. CONCLUSION: Emergency open repair of symptomatic, unruptured AAA is associated with a high risk of postoperative death. The results of this study suggest that a rather good postoperative survival rate can be expected in patients with a Glasgow Aneurysm Score <85. A watchful waiting policy or, alternatively, emergency endovascular repair should be advocated in patients with a higher score.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is some evidence of beneficial metabolic effects associated with the pH-stat than with alpha-stat perfusion strategy, but this is tempered by a likely increased risk of embolism to the brain, especially in adult patients. We investigated this possible adverse effect in an experimental model that combined hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) and embolic brain injury. METHODS: Twenty-four female juvenile pigs undergoing 25 minutes of HCA at a brain temperature of 18 degrees C were assigned to either alpha-stat (n = 12) or pH-stat (n = 12) strategy during cardiopulmonary bypass. Before the initiation of HCA, the descending aorta was clamped and 200 mg of albumin-coated polystyrene microspheres (250 to 750 microm in diameter) were injected into the isolated aortic arch in both groups. RESULTS: The 7-day survival rate was 75% in the pH-stat group and 50% in the alpha-stat group (p = 0.40). The pH-stat group had significantly better behavioral scores on postoperative days 5 (p = 0.03) and 6 (p = 0.04). The pH-stat strategy was associated with better postoperative intracranial pressures and histopathologic scores, but such differences did not reach statistical significance. The alpha-stat group had lower brain glucose concentrations postoperatively as well as higher brain lactate/glucose and lactate/pyruvate ratios CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pH-stat strategy does not cause any worse brain injury than the alpha-stat strategy. Indeed, the pH-stat strategy is associated with a slightly better outcome compared with the alpha-stat strategy, even in the setting of cerebral embolization. This observation suggests that the pH-stat strategy could also be used in adults during deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass despite the increased risk of intraoperative cerebral embolization.
Abstract: AIM: Oxyhemodynamic parameters have been shown to have a relevant impact on the immediate postoperative outcome after major surgery, but it is not known their specific impact on the outcome after elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: One-hundred and forty-one patients underwent elective open repair of infrarenal AAA and hemodynamic parameters were monitored perioperatively. RESULTS: One patient (0.7%) died postoperatively, 23 (16.3%) experienced a myocardial ischemic event and 9 of them (6.4%) had a myocardial infarction. Baseline oxygen delivery was not predictive of such myocardial ischemic events. Thirty-three patients (23.4%) suffered severe postoperative complications. The median baseline oxygen delivery was 429.5 mL/min/m2 among patients who had severe postoperative complications, whereas it was 505.5 mL/min/m2 among those who did not have severe complications (p=0.03). However, this parameter did not retain its significance at multivariate analysis. When only the preoperative variables were included in the logistic regression model, the Glasgow Aneurysm Score (P=0.004, Oddsratio 1.94, 95% C.I. 1.24-3.05) was the only predictor of severe postoperative complications. The Glasgow Aneurysm Score was significantly correlated with baseline oxygen delivery (P=-0.256, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline oxygen delivery is associated with an increased risk of severe postoperative complications after elective open repair of AAA. The value of preoperative optimization of oxygen delivery should be evaluated in this patient population.
Abstract: We evaluated the 3-year outcome of a series of patients with primary varicose veins who were randomized to radiofrequency endovenous obliteration vs. stripping of the long saphenous vein (LSV). Twenty-eight patients were included in the study: 15 were randomized to the radiofrequency endovenous obliteration procedure and 13 to LSV stripping. At 3-year follow-up, five patients (33.3%) of the endovenous group had recurrent or residual varices and in three of them a reflux in the thigh veins was detected. None of the primarily occluded LSV segments was recanalized. In the stripping group, three patients (23.1%, p = 0.68) showed varicosities at clinical and duplex examinations. In one patient, a patent duplicate LSV trunk was detected. In the remaining two patients, no reflux in the thigh region was detected. According to the present results, radiofrequency endovenous obliteration of the LSV is associated with somewhat poorer short-term results compared with the stripping operation.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair (MVR) has been shown to achieve good long-term results. However, this procedure is associated with relevant immediate postoperative mortality. The aim of this study is to identify those preoperative variables associated with an increased risk of 30-d postoperative death. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-four patients underwent MVR at our institution from January 1993 to December 2000. RESULTS: Eleven patients (6.7%) died during the immediate postoperative outcome, a median of 14 d after surgery (range, 1-29 d). One patient (1.3%) out of 80 who underwent MVR as lone procedure died on postoperative day 14 of cardiac tamponade. The mortality rate in those who underwent MVR associated with other procedures was 11.9%. Multivariable analysis (154 patients included in the analysis) showed that patients' age (p = 0.006, for an increase of 10 units: OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.53-12.27), history of prior cardiac surgery (p = 0.006, OR 118.56, 95% CI 4.03-3491.14) and NYHA functional class (p = 0.011, OR 5.66, 95% CI 1.49-21.49) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative death. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve showed that patients' age had an area under the curve of 0.762 (95% CI 0.622-0.901, p = 0.004), its best cut-off value being 65 years (mortality, 13.4% vs 2.1%, p = 0.008, sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 62.1%, accuracy 63.4%). None of the patients older than 65 and with a history of prior cardiac surgery survived the operation. CONCLUSIONS: MVR is associated with a relevant 30-d mortality risk in patients older than 65 years, with advanced NYHA functional class and a history of prior cardiac surgery.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Symptomatic hypocalcemia remains the main postoperative complication after total thyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of oral supplementation of calcitriol and calcium salts in preventing severe postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy followed by administration of 500 mg of calcium salts 3 times per day were randomized to 3 different postoperative medical treatments: in group A, .5 microg of calcitriol twice per day was administered to 104 patients; in group B, 1 mmicrog of calcitriol twice per day was administered to 111 patients; and in group C, 202 patients did not receive calcitriol. RESULTS: The rate of postoperative tetany in group A was 2.9%, in group B was 0%, and in group C was 7.4% (P=.03) and the rate of paresthesias was 28.8%, 17.1%, and 22.3%, respectively (P=.19). At discontinuation of calcitriol/calcium salts treatment, intact parathyroid hormone levels did not significantly differ from the preoperative levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for serum concentration of calcium in predicting postoperative tetany was .749, .858 and .862 on the first, second, and third postoperative day, respectively. The best cut-off value of calcemia for prediction tetany was 7.5 mg/dL, and the rate of severe hypocalcemia on the third postoperative day was 23.1% in group A, 9.9% in group B, and 27.2% in group C (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of 1 microg of calcitriol twice per day and 500 mg of calcium salts 3 times per day after total thyroidectomy significantly decreases the risk of severe postoperative hypocalcemia.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Mitral valve repair for degenerative and ischemic mitral valve regurgitation has been shown to be a durable procedure. The study aim was to evaluate the quality of life of patients who had undergone mitral valve repair, and to compare it to that of an age- and gender-adjusted Finnish general population. METHODS: Among 130 late survivors after mitral valve repair, 109 (83.8%) answered the RAND-36 Health Survey questionnaire; these patients form the basis of the present study. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test showed significantly higher mental health (p = 0.04) and pain scores (p = 0.015) and a lower role functioning/physical score (p = 0.008) in the study group. The scores of the other RAND-36 Health Survey variables of the study group were similar to those of the age- and gender-adjusted general population. The mean total score for the study group was 512 (median 532, IQR 360-678), compared to 522 (median 538, IQR 468-549) in the general population (p = 0.72) (only 95 patients were included in the analysis due to isolated missing scores). CONCLUSION: The quality of life of long-term survivors after mitral valve repair, as assessed by the RAND-36 Health Survey, is similar to that of an age- and gender-adjusted general Finnish population.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Because of current limitations in improving metabolic support to the brain during hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion injury remains an area of therapeutic intervention of relevance. Apotransferrin (Apo-Tf), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) have been herein evaluated as potential beneficial agents in reducing the ischemia-reperfusion injury in a surviving model of HCA. METHODS: Apo-Tf 100 mg/kg (n = 6), C1-INH 50 IU/kg (n = 6), AGP 100 mg/kg (n = 6), or NaCl 0.9% 2 ml/kg (n = 6) were randomly administered to 24 juvenile pigs after a 75-min period HCA at a brain temperature of 18 degrees C. RESULTS: Animals in the Apo-Tf group had a slightly better 7-day survival (66.7%) compared with the other study groups (50%), but such a difference was not statistically significant. Some favorable changes in the brain glucose metabolism parameters were observed in the AGP, C1-INH, and Apo-Tf groups, but these did not reach statistical significance. Semiquantitative analysis of the histopathological findings did not show any significant difference between the study groups. However, only two out of four surviving animals in the Apo-Tf group developed brain infarction, whereas all three survivors of the remaining study groups developed brain infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Although the small size of the study groups may affect the present findings, none of the metabolic and hemodynamic parameters as well as outcome endpoints indicate a substantial therapeutic efficacy of Apo-Tf, AGP, and C1-INH as neuroprotective agents after experimental HCA.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the value of the Glasgow Aneurysm Score in predicting postoperative death after repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Between 1991 and 1999, 836 patients underwent surgery for ruptured AAA. Their operative risk at presentation was evaluated retrospectively using the Glasgow Aneurysm Score, based on data from the nationwide Finnvasc registry. RESULTS: The operative mortality rate was 47.2 per cent (395 of 836); 164 patients (19.6 per cent) had cardiac complications and 164 (19.6 per cent) required intensive care treatment for more than 5 days. Predictors of postoperative death in univariate analysis were: coronary artery disease (P = 0.005), preoperative shock (P < 0.001), age (P < 0.001), and the Glasgow Aneurysm Score (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis the predictors were: preoperative shock (odds ratio (OR) 2.13 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1.45 to 3.11); P < 0.001) and the Glasgow Aneurysm Score (for an increase of ten units: OR 1.81 (95 per cent c.i. 1.54 to 2.12); P < 0.001). Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the best cut-off value of the Glasgow Aneurysm Score in predicting postoperative death was 84 (area under the curve 0.75 (95 per cent c.i. 0.72 to 0.78), standard error 0.17; P < 0.001). The operative mortality rate was 28.2 per cent (114 of 404) in patients with a Glasgow Aneurysm Score of 84 or less, compared with 65.0 per cent (281 of 432) in those with a score greater than 84 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Glasgow Aneurysm Score predicted postoperative death after repair of ruptured AAA in this series.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether pulmonary artery blood (PA) temperature on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) is predictive of postoperative outcome after isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DESIGN: A retrospective study on 1639 patients who underwent isolated on-pump CABG in whom PA temperature at admission to the ICU was available for review. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (2.0%) died during the in-hospital stay and 87 patients (5.3%) developed low cardiac output syndrome. PA temperature at admission to the ICU was significantly associated with an increased risk of overall postoperative death (p = 0.002), cardiac death (p = 0.03), and low cardiac output syndrome (p < 0.0001), and was significantly correlated with prolonged length of ICU stay (p < 0.0001) and postoperative bleeding (p = 0.001). Patients with high PA temperature had significantly more severe comorbidities, and longer aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass time. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that PA temperature at admission to the ICU in predicting postoperative death had an area under the curve of 0.660 (p = 0.002) and its best cut-off value was 36.4 degrees C (sensitivity: 63.6%, specificity: 65.2%). When the PA temperature at admission to the ICU was > or = 36.4 degrees C, the postoperative mortality and low cardiac output syndrome rates were 3.6 and 8.3%, whereas they were 1.1 and 3.7% when the PA temperature at admission to the ICU was < 36.4 degrees C (p = 0.001, p < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients having a PA temperature > or =36.4 degrees C at admission to the ICU after CABG seem to be at higher risk of poor postoperative outcome.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate five risk scoring methods in predicting the immediate postoperative outcome after elective open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of the Eagle score, Glasgow aneurysm score, Leiden score, modified Leiden score and Vanzetto score in a consecutive series of patients. PATIENTS: Two hundred and eighty-six consecutive patients undergoing elective infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair. RESULTS: Nine patients (3.1%) died in hospital and another 35 (12%) experienced severe postoperative complications. For the Glasgow aneurysm score, Leiden score, modified Leiden score and Vanzetto score receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis for prediction of in-hospital mortality showed area under the curve (AUC) of 0.749 (p=0.01), 0.777 (p=0.008), 0.788 (p=0.006) and 0.794 (p=0.005), respectively. The Eagle risk score was less accurate for predicting in-hospital mortality. The risk-scoring systems did not perform well in predicting post-operative complications, but multivariate analysis showed that the modified Leiden score was an independent predictor of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: All scoring systems predict, with reasonable accuracy, the risk of in-hospital death in patients undergoing elective open repair of AAA, whereas the accuracy in predicting severe postoperative complications is less.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of anastomotic femoral pseudoaneurysms (AFPs) is still unclear. We have performed this long-term retrospective study of patients who underwent aortobifemoral reconstruction for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in order to better establish the long-term rate of AFP and to identify the predictors of its late occurrence. METHODS: The long-term outcome of 178 patients who underwent and survived aortobifemoral reconstruction for infrarenal AAA was reviewed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 28 AFPs developed in 19 patients. Six AFPs were recurrent. The mean linearized rate of AFPs was 1.88% per year. At 15 years, the survival-freedom rate from AFPs was 60%, and from repair of AFPs it was 62%. The survival-freedom rate from AFP was significantly poorer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.017; at 10 years: 64.3% versus 92.3%), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.0056; at 10 years: 59.2% versus 87.5%), current smoking (P <0.0001; at 10 years: 65.8% versus 94.5%), and postoperative inguinal wound infection (P <0.0001; at 10 years: 42.8% versus 86.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (relative risk [RR]: 3.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 8.95), current smoking (RR: 5.38, 95% CI: 1.62 to 17.90), and postoperative inguinal wound infection (RR: 9.04, 95% CI: 2.76 to 29.96) were significantly associated with the development of AFPs. The linearized rate of AFPs was significantly higher only among current smokers (P <0.0001, 4.4% versus 0.8% per year) and among those who had inguinal wound infection (P = 0.001, 9.2% versus 1.5% per year). CONCLUSIONS: Current smoking and inguinal wound infection may contribute to the development of AFP after aortobifemoral reconstruction for AAA, likely by affecting reparative connective tissue mechanisms at the anastomotic site.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation, occurring after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), has been suggested to be associated with the development of postoperative stroke. However, it is not clear what is the incidence of atrial fibrillation-related postoperative stroke, the timing of its occurrence, and the outcome. These issues have been investigated in a consecutive series of patients who have undergone on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (ONCAB). METHODS: Among 2,630 patients who underwent ONCAB, 52 patients (2.0%) experienced postoperative stroke and form the basis of the present study. RESULTS: Twelve patients (23.1%) died postoperatively. The ischemic cerebral event occurred after a mean of 3.7 days (range, 0 to 33). In 19 patients (36.5%), atrial fibrillation preceded the occurrence of neurologic complication. These patients experienced a mean of 2.5 episodes of atrial fibrillation before the occurrence of neurologic complication. The cerebrovascular event occurred after a mean of 6.0 days in patients in whom atrial fibrillation preceded it, after a mean of 1.2 days in those with calcified ascending aorta, and after a mean of 3.1 days in those without calcified ascending aorta or in whom atrial fibrillation did not precede the cerebrovascular complication (p < 0.0001). Stroke occurred a mean of 21.3 hours after atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that atrial fibrillation, occurring after CABG, is a major determinant of postoperative stroke. Prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation, and of formation of clots into the left atrium, may dramatically reduce the risk of postoperative stroke.
Abstract: During the last 2 years, 103 aortic saphenous vein graft anastomoses were performed in 68 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass by using the Symmetry Bypass System Aortic Connector. Of these patients, 2 died during the early postoperative period. In the first patient, after an episode of ventricular fibrillation and closed-chest cardiac massage, the sternum was opened and hemopericardium secondary to leakage of the proximal anastomotic device was found. The second patient died of ascending aortic dissection, the tear of which was likely to have originated from the proximal anastomotic site.
Abstract: Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the thyroid is an uncommon disease. It is a potentially aggressive disease and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the thyroid may result in 5 year survival rates <50%. Hence adequate follow-up and multimodality treatment for recurrent or persistent disease are required. Since 18F-FDG PET is considered the imaging method of choice for the detection and staging of lymphoma, this was used for restaging of a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the thyroid after chemotherapy and its diagnostic value is questioned in the present case report. In fact, PET showed a false-positive finding which led to unnecessary surgery.
Abstract: Arterial aneurysms in children are extremely rare and can be of congenital, inflammatory, and infectious nature or secondary to trauma. The authors describe the case of a 8-year-old boy who was admitted in the hospital with fever and severe groin pain. He had a true saccular aneurysm of 4 cm in diameter originating from the profunda femoris artery with, according to the clinical and angiographic findings, arteriovenous communication with the femoral veins. Because the aneurysm was firmly adherent to the deep femoral vein, the latter was resected and the venous continuity was restored with a saphenous vein bypass graft. The patient recovered without any complication. The histologic examination showed a normal intimal layer and partially disrupted medial elastic fibers without inflammatory infiltrate, suggesting the diagnosis of a true arterial aneurysm.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether electroencephalography (EEG) recovery could be considered a reliable marker of brain injury after experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). DESIGN: Cortical electrical activity was registered before and after a 75-min period of HCA in 27 pigs that survived 7 days after the experiment. The sum of EEG bursts was counted as a percentage of the sum of artifact-free bursts and suppressions, and this percentage was used as a measure of EEG activity in the analysis. RESULTS: Brain infarction developed in 13 animals (48.1%), in 12 cases (44.4%) having involved the cortex, in 1 case the thalamus (3.7%) and in another the hippocampus (3.7%). The mean EEG burst percentage significantly correlated with the total brain histopathological score (rho = -0.588, P = 0.001). EEG burst percentage from the 2 h 20 min to the 7 h 20 min interval correlated with the total brain histopathological score and with the cortex, brainstem and cerebellum scores. The mean EEG burst percentage rate was higher, but not significantly, among the animals without brain infarction (38.5% vs 32.4%), but such a difference was significant at the 3 h 20 min postoperative interval (P = 0.02). The mean EEG burst percentage significantly correlated with brain glucose concentration at the 1 h interval (rho = 0.387; P = 0.046), brain lactate concentration at the 2 h interval (rho = -0.431; P = 0.025), and the brain lactate/glucose ratio at the 1 h 30 min interval from the start of rewarming (rho = -0.433; P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: A decreased EEG burst percentage seems to be associated with an increased risk of developing histologically evident brain ischemic injury in the cortex, brainstem and cerebellum after experimental HCA.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a predictor of early and late outcome after coronary angioplasty, but there is scant data on its impact on the outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The predictive value of preoperative CRP was evaluated in a series of 764 patients who underwent on-pump CABG. RESULTS: During the in-hospital stay, 13 patients (1.7%) died, 45 (4.5%) developed low cardiac output syndrome, and 28 (3.7%) suffered minor or major cerebrovascular complications. Patients with a preoperative serum concentration of CRP>/=1.0 mg/dL had a higher risk of overall postoperative death (5.3% vs 1.1%, p = 0.001), cardiac death (4.4% vs 0.8%, p = 0.002), low cardiac output syndrome (8.8% vs 3.7%, p = 0.01), and any cerebrovascular complication (4.4% vs 3.5%, p = 0.66). Preoperative serum concentration of CRP>/=1.0 mg/dL was significantly more frequent among patients with history of myocardial infarction, diabetes, lower limb ischemia, low left ventricular ejection fraction, NYHA class IV, and in those undergoing urgent or emergency operation. At multivariate analysis, preoperative serum concentration of CRP >/= 1.0 mg/dL (p = 0.01, O.R.: 6.97) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.01, O.R.: 0.95) were independent predictors of postoperative death. Postoperative mortality rate was 0.3% among patients with preoperative CRP < 1.0 mg/dL and an ejection fraction >/=50%, whereas it was 21.4% among those with a preoperative CRP >/= 1.0 mg/dL and an ejection fraction less than 50% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative serum concentration of CRP in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is an important determinant of postoperative outcome.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the value of the Glasgow Aneurysm Score in predicting the immediate and long-term outcome after elective open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Some 403 patients underwent elective open repair of an infrarenal AAA and were classified retrospectively according to the criteria of the Glasgow Aneurysm Score (risk score = (age in years) + (7 for myocardial disease) + (10 for cerebrovascular disease) + (14 for renal disease)). RESULTS: Fourteen patients (3.5 per cent) died after operation, 23 (5.7 per cent) had a myocardial infarction and six (1.5 per cent) had a stroke. One hundred and nine patients (27.0 per cent) experienced severe postoperative complications. The Glasgow Aneurysm Score was predictive of postoperative death (area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC) 0.80, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.71 to 0.90), severe postoperative complications (AUC 0.67, 95 per cent c.i. 0.61 to 0.73), myocardial infarction (AUC 0.72, 95 per cent c.i. 0.62 to 0.82), myocardial infarction-related postoperative death (AUC 0.78, 95 per cent c.i. 0.63 to 0.94) and stroke (AUC 0.84, 95 per cent c.i. 0.74 to 0.95). Univariate analysis showed that this risk index was also predictive of long-term survival. CONCLUSION: The Glasgow Aneurysm Score is a good predictor of outcome after elective open repair of AAA. Its simplicity and accuracy make it useful for preoperative risk stratification.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To use Finnvasc to determine whether the Glasgow Aneurysm Score predicts postoperative outcome after open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The operative risk of 1911 patients undergoing open repair of AAA was retrospectively graded according to the Glasgow Aneurysm Score. RESULTS: At 30 days 100 (5%) patients had died and 21% had developed severe postoperative complications. Receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curve analysis showed that the Glasgow Aneurysm Score was predictive of postoperative mortality (area under the curve (AUC): 0.668, p<0.0001), severe complications (AUC: 0.654, p<0.0001), cardiac complications (AUC: 0.689, p<0.0001) and intensive care unit stay >5 days (AUC: 0.634, p<0.0001). Patients scoring >76 had significantly higher mortality (9% vs. 3%, p<0.0001), severe (31% vs. 15%, p<0.0001) and cardiac complications (12% vs. 4%, p<0.0001) and intensive care unit stay >5 days (12% vs. 6%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The Glasgow Aneurysm Score is a rather good predictor of immediate postoperative mortality and morbidity after elective open repair of AAA.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: It is not clear whether the severity of coronary artery disease as assessed on angiography has an impact on the postoperative outcome after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). DESIGN: The angiographic status of 15 coronary arteries/segments of 2,233 patients who underwent isolated on-pump CABG was graded according to the following criteria: 1 = no stenosis; 2 = stenosis <50%; 3 = stenosis of 50-69%; 4 = stenosis of 70-89%; 5 = stenosis of 90-99%; 6 = vessel occlusion; and 7 = vessel is not visualized. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (1.7%) died during the in-hospital stay and 108 (4.8%) developed postoperatively low cardiac output syndrome. Multivariate analysis showed that along with other risk factors the overall coronary angiographic score was predictive of postoperative death (p = 0.03; OR: 1.027, 95% CI: 1.003-1.052) and of low cardiac output syndrome (p = 0.04; OR: 1.172, 95% CI: 1.010-1.218). The status of the proximal segment of the left circumflex coronary artery, the diagonal arteries and the left obtuse marginal arteries was most closely associated with adverse postoperative outcome. CONCLUSION: The angiographic status of coronary arteries has an impact on the immediate outcome after CABG.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recently, aortic valve stenosis has been demonstrated to exhibit increased expression of certain matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and this has relevantly raised the question about possible interdependency between these and their tissue inhibitors. We sought to assess the expression of elastolytic MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in nonrheumatic aortic stenosis. METHODS: The study comprised 30 stenotic and six noncalcified human aortic valves. To measure the expression levels and the amount and molecular forms of gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and TIMPs (1, 2), in situ hybridization, gelatin zymography, and reverse zymography were carried out. Antielastin staining by a monoclonal BA-4 antibody was performed to investigate the changes of one of the main substrates of these MMPs, and to substantiate the nature of the putative MMP- synthesizing cell. The cases were also immunostained with an antibody to alpha-smooth muscle actin. Inflammatory cell characterization was managed by monoclonal mouse antibodies (UCHL-1, L26, and PGM-1). RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the calcific valves showed increased mRNA expression and activation of MMP-9, and this was associated with typical characteristics of valve disease. MMP-2 mRNA production was rare, but proMMP-2 protein was detected in all valves. In agreement with the interdependency between MMP-9 and its inhibitors, a suggestive imbalance came out in diseased valves. CONCLUSIONS: The disproportion between MMP-9 and its tissue inhibitors may favor a persistent MMP activation state within the calcific valve and likely contribute to the valvular remodeling process in the setting of developing aortic stenosis.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The superiority of the pH-stat to the alpha-stat acid-base strategy during cardiopulmonary bypass as a neuroprotective method during hypothermic circulatory arrest is still controversial. In the present study, brain metabolism and outcome have been evaluated in a surviving model of experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest. METHODS: Twenty pigs undergoing 75-minutes of hypothermic circulatory arrest at a brain temperature of 18 degrees C were randomly assigned to the alpha-stat (n = 10) or pH-stat (n = 10) strategy during cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: The 7-day survival rate was 90% (9 of 10) in the pH-stat group and 10% (1 of 10) in the alpha-stat group. At the end of cooling, pH-stat strategy was associated with significantly lower brain lactate and pyruvate concentrations and brain lactate-glucose ratio. After reperfusion, brain concentrations of glycerol, lactate, pyruvate, and lactate-glucose ratio were significantly lower in the pH-stat group. This strategy was associated with a faster rise of brain tissue temperature and reoxygenation on reperfusion, which is likely secondary to improved cerebral perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: During cardiopulmonary bypass before and after a period of hypothermic circulatory arrest, acid-base management according to the pH-stat principles seemed to be associated with less derangements in cerebral metabolism, lower intracranial pressures, and excellent behavioral recovery and survival outcome. Because there is strong evidence of the beneficial metabolic effects related to this method, further studies using an experimental model of combined HCA and embolic brain injury are required to exclude a possible increased risk of cerebral embolism associated with the pH-stat strategy.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is a high-energy intermediate in the anaerobic metabolism. It enhances glycolysis, preserves cellular adenosine triphosphate, and prevents the increase of intracellular calcium during ischemia. The potential neuroprotective effect of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate during hypothermic circulatory arrest was evaluated in a surviving porcine model. METHODS: Twenty-four pigs were randomly assigned to receive two intravenous infusions of either fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (500 mg/kg) or saline solution. The first infusion was given immediately before a 75-minute period of hypothermic circulatory arrest and the second was given immediately after hypothermic circulatory arrest. RESULTS: The 7-day survivals were 83.3% in the fructose-1,6-bisphosphate group and 41.7% in the control group (P =.09). The treated animals had significantly better postoperative behavioral scores. The administration of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate was associated with higher venous phosphate and sodium levels, lower venous ionized calcium levels, higher blood osmolarity, and a better fluid balance. Intracranial pressure and venous creatine kinase isoenzyme MB were significantly lower in the fructose-1,6-bisphosphate group during rewarming (P =.01 and P =.001, respectively). Among the treated animals, brain glucose, pyruvate and lactate levels tended to be higher, brain glycerol levels tended to be lower, and the histopathologic score of the brain was significantly lower (P =.04). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous administration of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate at 500 mg/kg before and after hypothermic circulatory arrest in a surviving porcine model was associated with better survival, behavioral outcome, and histopathologic score. The observed lower blood creatine kinase isoenzyme MB and brain glycerol levels and the higher brain glucose, pyruvate, and lactate levels in the fructose-1,6-bisphosphate group suggest that this drug has supportive effects on myocardial and brain metabolisms.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of topical head cooling during the first 2 postoperative hours after experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest. METHODS: Twenty pigs underwent a 75-minute period of hypothermic circulatory arrest and were randomly assigned to rewarming to 37 degrees C or to undergo topical cooling of the head for 2 hours from the start of rewarming followed by a period of external rewarming to 37 degrees C. RESULTS: The 7-day survival rate was 70% in the control group and 60% in the topical head cooling group. Despite brain tissue oxygenation, intracranial pressures, mixed oxygen venous saturation, oxygen consumption, and extraction tended to be favorable in the topical head cooling group as a clear effect of mild hypothermia. The latter group had significantly higher postoperative brain lactate and pyruvate ratios, and lactate and glucose ratios. Furthermore, the topical head cooling group had worse fluid balance throughout the postoperative period. Brain histopathologic scores were comparable with the study groups, but among 7-days survivors these scores tended to be worse in the topical head cooling group. CONCLUSIONS: Topical cooling of the head during the first 2 postoperative hours after experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest does not appear to provide any neuroprotective effect.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors affecting the outcome of operations for differentiated and aggressive thyroid carcinoma which may indicate the need for a more aggressive surgical treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: 143 patients underwent total thyroidectomy with or without central neck lymphadenectomy or modified neck dissection. There were 85 papillary, 34 follicular, 6 widely-invasive follicular, 6 insular, five oxyphilic, five tall cell, and two diffuse sclerosing papillary carcinomas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Disease-related survival. RESULTS: At 12-years, the survival was 96%, being 98% among patients with differentiated and 83% among those with aggressive carcinoma (p = 0.0006). Insular and oxyphilic carcinomas had the worst prognosis (at 10 years, 67% and 60%, respectively, p < 0.0001). The high-risk age, metastases, and extent score (AMES) group had worse survival than the low-risk group (12 years, 84% compared with 98%, p = 0.001). Among patients with differentiated carcinoma, the low-risk AMES group had also better outcome than those in the high-risk AMES group (at 12 years, 100% compared with 86%, p < 0.0001), but there was no such difference among patients with aggressive disease. Multivariate analysis showed that women (RR 14.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 180.28), patients with tumours > or = 5 cm in size (RR 9.60, 95%CI 1.01 to 91.43) and AMES high-risk patients (RR 30.17, 95% CI 1.57 to 577.48) had the worst outcome. CONCLUSION: In patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, total thyroidectomy and, if the AMES score indicates a high risk, central neck lymphadenectomy with or without modified neck dissection, is associated with a favourable outcome. Poorer outcome is expected if the carcinoma is aggressive, and an aggressive surgical approach is advocated as a routine.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term clinical outcome of patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with St. Jude Medical and Medtronic-Hall mechanical prostheses. DESIGN: From June 1978 to June 1982, 43 Medtronic-Hall and 48 St. Jude Medical mechanical valves were implanted in 90 consecutive patients with aortic valve disease, and their clinical outcome was retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: At 20 years in the St. Jude Medical group and in the Medtronic-Hall group the actuarial rates of overall survival were 50 and 49% (p = NS), of cardiovascular survival 66 and 63% (p = NS), of valve-related survival 95 and 91% (p = NS), of freedom from major valve-related complications 83 and 45% (p = 0.005), from major cerebrovascular events 93 and 71% (p =0.06), from valve thrombosis 97 and 89% (p = NS), from aortic valve reoperation 93 and 88% (p = NS), from major bleeding 96 and 82% (p = 0.04), and from endocarditis 93 and 82% (p = NS), respectively. The linearized rate of overall major aortic valve prosthesis-related complications was 3.47%/year in the Medtronic-Hall valve group and 1.53%/year in the St. Jude Medical valve group (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that the type of prosthesis was predictive of freedom from valve-related complications (p = 0.01; 2.849; C.I. 95%: 1.246-6.516). CONCLUSION: The aortic St. Jude Medical mechanical valve seems to be associated with a slightly lower rate of long-term valve-related morbidity than the aortic Medtronic-Hall mechanical valve. Because of the small patient population and the retrospective nature of the study, the choice between these two prostheses should not be made only on the basis of these findings. However, these results suggest a reappraisal for further comparative studies with such an extended follow-up.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is suggested that pericardial effusions after cardiac surgery can be managed with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, but the efficacy of this therapy is not well established. This study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of the prophylactic use of diclofenac in the prevention of pericardial effusion after coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized study, diclofenac sodium 50 mg was administered orally every 8 hours to 22 patients in the postoperative period. The control group consisted of 19 patients who were not given postoperatively either steroids or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. RESULTS: Twelve patients of the diclofenac-treated group (54.5%) and 7 of the control group (36.8%) experienced supraventricular arrhythmias postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in the size of postoperative pericardial effusion as well as in the occurrence of pleural effusion in both groups. However, there was a higher rate of significant pericardial effusion (grade I-III) in the control group as compared with the diclofenac-treated group (52.6% vs 31.8%, p=ns). Based on chest X-ray findings, patients in the control group had higher incidence of pleural effusion either alone (42.1% vs 22.7%, p=ns) or combined with pericardial effusion (21.0% vs 13.6%, p=ns). Patients who received diclofenac had lower median C-reactive protein concentration (76.0+/-45.2 mg/L) than the patients of the control group (99.6+/-47.8 mg/L), (p=ns). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that diclofenac, even if without a striking effect, may lessen the degree of inflammatory reaction after cardiac surgery and may be useful in the prevention and in the management of early pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that apoptosis contributes to neuronal cell death after ischemia, and we evaluated the degree of apoptotic activity occurring in brain cortex of pigs after hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). DESIGN: Thirty-one pigs underwent 75 min of HCA at 20 degrees C. Histological examination of the brain was performed, and slides of brain cortex were evaluated for apoptotic activity by the TUNEL method. RESULTS: Ten animals died during the first postoperative day and 21 survived until the seventh postoperative day. Brain cortex infarcts were found in animals that survived 7 days and these were included in this study. The median histopathological score among animals that died on the first postoperative day was 3.0 (range, 2-4), whereas it was 4.0 (range, 2-4) among survivors (p = 0.019). The apoptotic index was particularly high in the area of the infarct, whereas only a few TUNEL-stained cells were observed in noninfarcted areas. The apoptotic index was nil in all pigs that died in the first postoperative period, whereas it was 2.0 (range, 0-6) among the animals that survived until the seventh postoperative day (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The apoptotic index was significantly increased in brain cortex infarcts of animals that survived 7 days after HCA, whereas only a few apoptotic cells were observed in noninfarcted areas of these animals as well as in animals that died on the first postoperative day. Further studies are required to elucidate the timing of development of brain infarction after HCA and whether neuroprotective strategies targeting the apoptotic process may mitigate brain damage.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether hand-held Doppler (HHD) examination is an adequate screening test in planning surgical treatment for primary varicose vein. DESIGN: Prospective study. MATERIALS: One hundred and eleven consecutive patients (142 legs) with primary, uncomplicated varicose veins. METHODS: Legs were examined clinically, with HHD and duplex ultrasonography on the same day at the outpatient clinic. The plan for the subsequent treatment was recorded separately after each examination. RESULTS: At the sapheno-femoral junction and at the sapheno-popliteal junction, the sensitivity was 56 and 23%, the specificity 97 and 96%, the positive predictive values was 98 and 43%, the negative predictive value was 44 and 91%, and the Kappa coefficient was 38 and 24%, respectively. Clinical examination failed to correctly plan the treatment in 21 (26%) of 80 proposed operations. In 13 limbs (9.1%) the HHD-based treatment plan was modified on the basis of duplex ultrasound findings. In seven cases, patients would have undergone only stab avulsion procedure, whereas stripping of a saphenous vein was indicated on the basis of duplex ultrasound findings. In two other cases, HHD findings would have led to resect the wrong saphenous vein. In six cases, the treatment was wrongly planned because of assessment problems during HHD examination at the popliteal fossa. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of HHD in the preoperative evaluation of primary, uncomplicated varicose veins is unsatisfactory. These results suggest that duplex ultrasonography should be considered as the preoperative diagnostic method of choice.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the potential efficacy of prolonged mild hypothermia after hypothermic circulatory arrest. METHODS: Twenty pigs, after a 75-minute period of hypothermic circulatory arrest, were randomly assigned to be rewarmed to 37 degrees C (normothermia group) or to 32 degrees C and kept at that temperature for 14 hours from the start of rewarming (hypothermia group). RESULTS: The 7-day survival was 30% in the hypothermia group and 70% in the normothermia group (P =.08). The hypothermia group had poorer postoperative behavioral scores than the normothermia group. Prolonged hypothermia was associated with lower oxygen extraction and consumption rates and higher mixed venous oxygen saturation levels during the first hours after hypothermic circulatory arrest. Decreased cardiac index, lower pH, and higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide were observed in the hypothermia group. There was a trend for beneficial effect of prolonged hypothermia in terms of lower brain lactate levels until the 4-hour interval and of intracranial pressure until the 10-hour interval. Postoperatively, total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were lower, and creatine kinase BB was significantly increased in the hypothermia group. At extubation, the hypothermia group had higher oxygen extraction rates and lower brain tissue oxygen tension. CONCLUSIONS: A 14-hour period of mild hypothermia after 75-minute hypothermic circulatory arrest seems to be associated with poor outcome. However, the results of this study suggest that mild hypothermia may preserve its efficacy when it is used for no longer than 4 hours, but the potentials of a shorter period of postoperative mild hypothermia still require further investigation.
Abstract: PURPOSE: This study reviewed the long-term outcome of patients who underwent open repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). METHODS: A retrospective study of 208 patients (188 men and 20 women) with a mean age of 65.6 years who survived elective or emergency open repair of an infrarenal AAA was conducted at a university referral hospital. Main outcome measures included late graft-related complications, survival free from any reintervention, survival free from any vascular reintervention, and overall survival rates. RESULTS: Late graft-related complications occurred in 32 patients (15.4%). A proximal para-anastomotic pseudoaneurysm developed in six patients (2.9%), and a distal pseudoaneurysm developed in 18 patients (8.7%); in seven of these cases (3.4%), it was bilateral or recurrent. A graft limb occlusion occurred in 11 patients (5.3%). These complications required 37 surgical or other invasive procedures in 27 patients (13.0%). Thirty-one vascular and/or endovascular reoperations were performed. The 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year survival free from any reintervention rates were 91.5%, 86.2%, and 72.0%, respectively. At the same intervals, the survival free from any vascular reintervention rates were 93.8%, 88.5%, and 73.9%, respectively, and the overall survival rates were 66.8%, 39.4%, and 18.0%, respectively. Complications associated with a ruptured femoral artery pseudoaneurysm, a ruptured aortic pseudoaneurysm, an aortoduodenal fistula, and the elective repair of a femoral pseudoaneurysm were the graft-related causes of death, which occurred in four patients (1.9%). Age (P <.0001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P =.002) were shown by means of multivariate analysis to be predictive of poor survival outcome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P =.02) and lower limb ischemia (P =.04) were shown to be associated with an increased need for vascular reinterventions to treat graft-related complications. CONCLUSION: Open repair of infrarenal AAAs can achieve satisfactory 15-year follow-up rates of survival free from reintervention for any graft-related complications, suggesting that surgery should still be considered the procedure of choice for infrarenal AAAs, at least in patients who are fit for surgery.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lamotrigine and leukocyte filtration seem to improve cerebral protection during experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). This study was performed to evaluate whether their combined use may further improve cerebral protection. METHODS: Twenty-four pigs undergoing 75-minute period of HCA at 20 degrees C were randomly assigned to receive saline; lamotrigine (20 mg/kg) before HCA (L); or lamotrigine (20 mg/kg) before HCA plus leukocyte filtration before and after HCA (L + LF). RESULTS: Seven animals (87%) in the L + LF group, 4 (50%) in the L group, and 3 (37%) in the control group were alive on the seventh postoperative day. The median electroencephalogram burst recovery was 94% in the L + LF group (p = 0.024 versus control group), 81% in the L group, and 64% in the control group. Among the surviving animals, the median behavioral scores were 9, 9, and 6 at the seventh day, respectively (p = 0.005 between the L + LF group and the control group). The median histopathologic score was 14 in the L + LF group (p = 0.046 versus control group), 14.5 in the L group (p = 0.062 versus control group), and 21 in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Lamotrigine has neuroprotective effect during HCA. The combined use of lamotrigine and LF may further improve the survival outcome.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The long-term fate of very small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is not well known. METHODS: Forty-one patients with asymptomatic small AAA (range 25 to 40 mm) underwent ultrasonographic surveillance. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 7.3 years. The median linear aneurysm expansion rate was 2.0 mm/year (range 0 to 8.4). Three patients experienced aneurysm rupture (7.3%) which resulted in 1 patient'death. Thirteen patients underwent aneurysm repair (31.7%) and 1 patient died postoperatively (7.7%). The survival rate at 10-year follow-up was 59.0%. The survival rate free from aneurysm rupture and repair at 10-year follow-up was 69.9%. The median time for occurrence of aneurysm rupture was 4.9 years (range 1.8 to 10.5) and the need for aneurysm repair was 4.5 years (range 1.4 to 10.4). CONCLUSIONS: The fate of very small AAA is to slowly enlarge in size, sometimes threatening the patient's life. These observations underline the importance of continuous surveillance and the potential benefits of any medical treatment in this patient population.
Abstract: Lower limb revascularization has been shown to be worthwhile for treatment of critical leg ischemia in uremic patients, but poor results are expected in patients on long-term dialysis. We have retrospectively evaluated the results of a series of 21 consecutive patients on long-term dialysis who underwent 20 infrainguinal bypass graft and 5 endovascular procedures for critical leg ischemia to identify factors contraindicating any infrainguinal revascularization attempt in this patient population. At 2-year follow-up, the patency rate was 74%, leg salvage rate was 85%, and survival rate was 23%, whereas 23% of patients were alive with salvaged leg. Patients on hemodialysis achieved better survival outcome than patients on peritoneal dialysis (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed that low serum level of albumin (p = 0.009; p = 0.005) and coronary artery disease (p = 0.0002; p = 0.001) had an adverse effect on the survival rate and on the rate of patients alive with salvaged leg, respectively. Patients without coronary artery disease achieved an alive-with-salvaged-leg rate at 1- and 2-year follow-up of 68% and 41%, respectively, whereas 12% of patients with coronary artery disease survived with salvaged leg after 1 year, but none of them survived with salvaged leg at 2-year follow-up (p = 0.003). In conclusion, infrainguinal revascularization for lower extremity ischemia in dialysis patients is hardly indicated in the presence of coronary artery disease and severe hypoalbuminemia.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients treated by lobectomy for solitary thyroid nodule. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 83 patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule. INTERVENTIONS: Preoperative ultrasonography showed a solitary nodule in 32 patients and this finding was confirmed intraoperatively in 24 cases (77%). 59 patients with multinodular goitres were treated by total thyroidectomy and 24 with solitary nodule by lobectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative complications and freedom from nodule recurrence and/or parenchymal irregularity. RESULTS: One patient after lobectomy and 3 after total thyroidectomy developed temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Postoperative temporary hypoparathyroidism occurred in 13 patients (22%) after total thyroidectomy and in no patient after lobectomy (p = 0.02). Neither permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury nor permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred after either procedure. Among patients who underwent lobectomy, 6 had an adenoma and 18 had a nodular hyperplasia. At 4-year follow-up, the freedom rate from any thyroid nodule recurrence or parenchymal irregularity was 44.7%, and the freedom rate from nodular recurrence was 74%. Men tended to have a 4-year freedom rate from nodular relapse poorer than women (48% vs. 87%. p = 0.07). Nodular recurrence occurred in one patient operated on for an adenoma, and all the other recurrences occurred in patients with nodular hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term freedom rate from thyroid nodule recurrence or parenchymal irregularity after lobectomy for solitary nodule of the thyroid is unsatisfactory. This observation calls for a better evaluation of long-term results after lobectomy for this condition and identification of risk factors predictive of recurrence. This would enable a more appropriate preoperative selection of patients undergoing lobectomy, indicating total thyroidectomy for those patients with solitary nodule at high risk of recurrence.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that erythropoietin protects neurons from glutamate toxicity and ischemia. This study was performed to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin during experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest. METHODS: Twenty pigs were randomized to receive intravenously either 500 IU/kg recombinant human erythropoietin or saline before a 75-minute period of hypothermic circulatory arrest at an intracerebral temperature of 18 degrees C. RESULTS: After the administration of erythropoietin, its concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid increased 4.5-fold 8 hours after the start of rewarming, whereas it did not increase in control animals. The 7-day survival rate was 60% in the erythropoietin group and 70% in the control group (P = 1.0). No significant differences were observed between the study groups in terms of electroencephalography, behavioral score, and histopathologic score. The erythropoietin group had higher vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure values, lower intracerebral concentrations of glutamate and glycerol, higher brain tissue oxygen tension, and lower apoptotic index. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of 500 IU/kg erythropoietin intravenously before hypothermic circulatory arrest was followed by an increased erythropoietin concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid. Although previous studies have demonstrated neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin during brain ischemia, the present study, using a chronic porcine model, failed to show any significant benefit after administration of erythropoietin in terms of mortality or brain histopathology. Lower intracerebral concentrations of glutamate and glycerol, higher brain tissue oxygen tension, and lower apoptotic index observed in the erythropoietin group, however, suggest that a distinct neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin might be achieved at different dosages and timing of administration.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: An increase in intracranial pressure has been shown to threaten the outcome of patients with ischemic or traumatic brain injury. Its impact on the outcome of pigs undergoing hypothermic circulatory arrest has been evaluated in this study. DESIGN: Fifty-six pigs underwent a 75-min period of hypothermic circulatory arrest at 20 degrees C. Intracranial pressure, cerebral microdialysis, hemodynamic and metabolic parameters were monitored throughout the experiment. The animals were allowed to survive until the 7th postoperative day and, then, electively killed. RESULTS: The 7-day survival rate was 60.7%, and among survivors, 20 of them (58.8%) developed brain infarction. A significant increase in intracranial pressure as compared with the baseline level was observed since the end of cooling (p = 0.047) and the difference became larger during all the postoperative intervals (p < 0.0001). Animals that died postoperatively tended to have higher intracranial pressure levels during all the postoperative intervals, but such a difference reached significance only at the 4-h postoperative interval (p = 0.040). The same tendency was observed among animals that survived until the 7th postoperative day and that developed brain infarction or not, but the difference between these two groups did not reach statistical significance. The animals that died or developed postoperatively brain infarction had higher intracranial pressure values postoperatively as compared with those that survived without developing brain infarction and such a difference reached significance at the 2-h (p = 0.015) and 4-h postoperative intervals (p = 0.035). The peak intracranial pressure was 17.2 mmHg (IQR, 13.7-20.8) in animals that died or developed brain infarction and 14.1 mmHg (IQR, 11.8-16.4) in those that survived 7 days without developing brain infarction (p = NS). CONCLUSION: Intracranial pressure increases significantly after 75 min of experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest and such an increase is associated with a high risk of postoperative death and brain infarction.
Abstract: The case of anastomotic rupture of the subclavian artery following infection of a subclavian-to-carotid bypass grafting is reported. Emergency endoluminal stent graft repair was life saving and aided wound healing, but stent graft thrombosis occurred. Such a complication raises some concern about the safety of this procedure in an infected setting. The use of autologous saphenous vein-covered stent graft may provide some advantages in avoiding graft infection and thrombosis.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether and which of the cerebral microdialysis parameters are predictive of postoperative outcome after an experimental 75-min period of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) in a chronic porcine model. DESIGN: Seventy-four juvenile female pigs underwent a 75-min period of HCA at 20 degrees C. A microdialysis catheter was placed into the cortex gray matter and brain extracellular concentrations of glucose, lactate, glycerol and glutamate were measured throughout the experiment by enzymatic methods using a microdialysis analyzer. Surviving animals were sacrificed on the 7th postoperative day and histopathological examination of the brain was performed. RESULTS: Brain glucose concentrations were higher in animals that survived (p = 0.017), especially from the 90-min until the 7-h interval after the start of rewarming. The blood venous concentrations of glucose were also higher among survivors, and correlated significantly with the brain glucose levels at 2-h and 4-h intervals after the start of rewarming. Higher concentrations of brain lactate, glycerol and glutamate were observed throughout the study among animals that died postoperatively. Brain glutamate and glycerol concentrations were significantly, negatively correlated with brain glucose concentrations. The lactate/glucose ratio was significantly lower among survivors during the postoperative period (p=0.014). Furthermore, brain glucose concentrations were higher and brain glycerol concentrations lower among the animals that did not develop brain infarction, but such differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Cerebral microdialysis is a useful tool for cerebral monitoring during experimental HCA. Low brain glucose concentrations and high brain lactate/glucose ratios after HCA are strong predictors of postoperative death. Brain glucose concentrations are negatively correlated with brain glycerol and glutamate concentrations.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Beside neurological morbidity, mortality is a relevant end-point of experimental porcine model of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) and this study was conducted to identify the determinants for postoperative death. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five pigs underwent a 75-min period of HCA at 20 degrees C to evaluate the efficacy of different methods of cerebral protection. RESULTS: Survival rate at 7-day follow-up was 52%. Lower oxygen extraction, oxygen consumption/kg, and venous lactate at the end of cooling and higher oxygen delivery rates were significantly associated with better outcome. Logistic regression showed that the oxygen consumption/kg at the end of cooling was the only predictor of mortality (P=0.046). Animals with an oxygen consumption/kg rate less than 1.43 ml/min per kg at the end of cooling had a mortality rate of 28%, whereas it was 50% among animals with an oxygen consumption/kg rate higher or equal to 1.43 ml/min per kg (P=0.020). The latter had even an increased 1-day mortality rate (40% vs. 26%) (P not significant). The mortality rate after anesthesia induction with ketamine plus 100% of oxygen was 38%, 45% after anesthesia induction with ketamine plus 35% oxygen, and 53% after anesthesia with medetomidine plus 35% oxygen (P not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Parameters of oxyhemodynamics should be monitored especially from the induction of anesthesia to the end of cooling before a 75-min period of HCA. The use of medetomidine and/or 35% of oxygen at induction of anesthesia should be avoided in favor of ketamine plus 100% of oxygen.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Results of endovascular procedures to the superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery are not as good as at the iliac level. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term results of a new endoluminal stent-graft for the management of lesions of the femoropopliteal segment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent endoluminal treatment of femoropopliteal lesions with a PTFE covered stent-graft. Nine patients had critical leg ischaemia, two patients had acute leg ischaemia, two patients were claudicants, one patient had a ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm, and one had a large adjuvant therapeutic arteriovenous fistula. RESULTS: The procedure was successfully carried out in all patients. Thrombosis occurred in two stent-grafts 4.5 months and 12.5 months after the procedure. One of them was successfully thrombolysed. During the two-year follow-up, a haemodynamically significant decrease in ankle/brachial index was observed in two patients. Ankle/brachial index was the same or higher than the immediately postoperative value in six patients. Primary patency rates at 1 month, 1 year and 2 year follow-up were 100%, 93% and 84%, respectively. Assisted primary patency rates at the same intervals were 100%, 93% and 93%, respectively. No patient had limb loss during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Endoluminal femoropopliteal bypass using PTFE covered stent-graft can be successfully performed with good two-year results.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the results of redo bypass surgery to the infrapopliteal artery and the value of adjuvant arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in this setting. DESIGN: retrospective study. MATERIALS: fifty-one redo reconstructions to the infrapopliteal arteries were done for critical leg ischaemia in 45 patients who have had primary infrainguinal reconstructions to the popliteal artery in 20 cases (39%), the crural arteries in 18 (35%), and the pedal arteries in 13 (25%). METHODS: a PTFE prosthesis was used in 21 cases (41%). A Miller cuff was used in 16 prosthetic grafts. Adjuvant AVF was added to three autogenous vein and 12 prosthetic grafts. RESULTS: at 2 years, the primary patency rate was 42%, the secondary patency was 43%, the limb salvage was 67%, the survival was 77%, and 53% of patients were alive with salvaged leg. The primary patency rate with a vein graft was 44% at 1 year, with prosthesis plus AVF 67%, but with prosthesis without AVF only 19%. Secondary patency rates were similar. Prosthetic graft with AVF and those without AVF achieved a 1-year leg salvage rate of 100% and 51%, respectively (p =0.01). Patients with adjuvant AVF had a worse 2-year survival rate that those without AVF (31% vs 89%) (p =0.007; RR: 8.87, CI 95%: 1.62-48.42). CONCLUSIONS: redo bypass surgery using autogenous vein graft may achieve satisfactory long-term results. The use of adjuvant AVF may improve patency of redo infrapopliteal prosthetic bypass grafts.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Eradication of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and inhibition of elastolytic matrix metalloproteinases with doxycycline have been suggested to reduce the growth rates of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). We designed a study to investigate the efficacy of doxycycline in reducing the expansion of small AAAs. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study that was set in a university referral hospital. The study group consisted of 32 of 34 initially eligible patients who had an AAA diameter perpendicular to the aortic axis of 30 mm or more in size or a ratio of infrarenal to suprarenal aortic diameter of 1.2 or more and a diameter less than 55 mm. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either doxycycline (150 mg daily) or placebo during a 3-month period and underwent ultrasound surveillance during an 18-month period. Outcome measures included aneurysm expansion rates, the number of patients who had AAA rupture or repair, C pneumoniae antibody titers, and serum concentrations of C-reactive protein. RESULTS: The aneurysm expansion rate in the doxycycline group was significantly lower than that in the placebo group during the 6- to 12-month (P = .01) and the 12- to 18-month periods (P =.01). Five patients (41%) in the placebo group and 1 patient (7%) in the doxycycline group had an overall expansion of the aneurysm of 5 mm or more during the 18-month follow-up. Among the placebo group patients, a higher expansion rate was observed in those with enhanced C pneumoniae immunoglobulin G antibody titers (> 128) than in those with lower titers (P = .03). Doxycycline treatment had no clear effect on antibody titers. However, at 6-month follow-up, C-reactive protein levels in the doxycycline group were significantly lower than the baseline levels (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this small pilot study suggest that doxycycline may favorably alter the outcome of patients with small AAA. However, because of the small size of this randomized study and of the potentially confounding effect of pretreatment risk factors, doxycycline-based treatment cannot be justified only on the ground of the current results. Because of the high prevalence of this disorder and its clinical, social, and economic relevance, a multicenter study should be performed to further investigate whether there is any place for medical treatment of small AAAs.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We evaluated the possible predictive role of C-reactive protein (CRP) on the immediate postoperative outcome after femoropopliteal bypass surgery for critical leg ischaemia (CLI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 138 patients with CLI who underwent 143 femoropopliteal reconstructions. RESULTS: The immediate postoperative period secondary patency rate was 87%, leg salvage rate was 94%, and survival rate 97%. Nine patients (6.3%) had 30-day postoperative major amputation, three of them despite a patent bypass graft because of progression of foot infection. The preoperative serum concentration of CRP was the only predictor of postoperative major amputation (p = 0.004; for an increase of 10 mg/l: OR, 1.188; CI 95%, 1.059-1.332). The median preoperative serum concentration of CRP among patients who did not have major amputation was 13.0 mg/l (range, 1-185), whereas it was 47.5 mg/l (range, 5-168) among those who had amputation after bypass graft occlusion, and 115.0 mg/l (range, 34-222) among those who had amputation despite a patent bypass graft (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: CRP may be a useful marker in risk stratification for postoperative amputation in patients undergoing femoropopliteal bypass surgery for CLI.
Abstract: The authors report the occurrence of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid in nine first-degree relatives of four families among a consecutive series of 97 patients with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid who were operated on from 1991 to 1998. Total thyroidectomy was performed in all cases. All patients are alive without evidence of disease after a mean follow-up period of 43 months. Since in our series familial papillary carcinoma of the thyroid was found in 9.3% of patients, we suggest an adequate screening among first-degree relatives of all patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Because of reported aggressive behaviour of familial papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, aggressive surgical treatment plus post-operative thyroid remnant ablation with radio-iodine should be warranted in all patients.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the value of lower limb revascularization and free flap transfer (LLR-FFT) in the management of critical leg ischemia and major tissue loss. A total of 29 consecutive patients with critically ischemic leg and major tissue loss underwent 24 simultaneous and 6 staged LLR-FFT procedures. The main outcome measures were bypass graft patency, free flap viability, leg salvage, patients alive with salvaged leg, and survival. At the 2-year follow-up, the bypass graft patency rate was 85%, secondary free flap viability rate was 82%, and 82% of patients achieved leg salvage and were ambulant. If the success was defined as patients being alive with a salvaged leg, the corresponding rate was 80%. Three patients achieved long-term primary patency and leg salvage despite free flap failure, which occurred during the 30-day postoperative period. Lower extremity revascularization plus free flap coverage of large ischemic lesions is valuable in achieving long-term leg salvage. Because revascularization and conventional management of major tissue loss alone can be effective in the management of a small number of cases, staged LLR-FFT is indicated, when appropriate, for better selection of patients undergoing such an aggressive and demanding treatment.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: preoperative angiographic characteristics of the outflow tract have emerged as a predictive factor for the outcome of infrapopliteal reconstructions. Direct flow measurement can be routinely performed intraoperatively, but little is known regarding its impact on graft outcome. The present study was undertaken to compare the value of these parameters in predicting the mid-term patency of infrapopliteal bypass grafts. DESIGN: retrospective clinical study. PATIENTS: 172 infrapopliteal reconstructions using autogenous vein were performed, of which 92 had a crural and 80 a pedal recipient artery. METHODS: the preoperative angiogram was scored according to the SVS/ISCVS Ad Hoc Committee. At the end of the operation flow was measured with a transit-time flowmeter. Follow-up consisted of pressure measurements and duplex scanning. RESULTS: the runoff score had no impact on femorocrural graft patency. For pedal grafts there was a tendency for inferior outcome with high runoff score, as the 1-year assisted primary patency for grafts with a completely occluded pedal arch was 11% compared with 52% for grafts with lower scores (p=0.056). Both intraoperative volume graft flow and maximum flow capacity had a highly significant influence on the outcome on crural reconstructions on univariate analysis. For pedal reconstructions only a a severely reduced maximum flow capacity after injection of papaverin was associated with an adverse outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed that maximum flow capacity was an independent significant factor affecting patency of femoroinfrapopliteal grafts (relative risk=0.53 per 30 ml/min increase, p<0.001). The runoff score was also a weak independent predictor of 1-year assisted primary patency in these grafts (relative risk=1.9 for a score >4 in crural and a score >5.5 in pedal grafts, p=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: a completely occluded pedal arch in preoperative angiography was associated with poor infrapopliteal bypass outcome. Graft flow and maximal flow capacity are good predictors of the 1-year graft patency of femorocrural bypasses.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To assess the role of contrast-enhanced color Doppler US in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant portal vein thrombosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients with portal vein thrombosis underwent color and power Doppler US examination before and after i.v. injection of galactose-palmitic acid suspension. The criterion for diagnosing the presence and extension of thrombosis was the lack of visualization of portal vein flow in a segment of the portal vein. The criterion for diagnosing malignant portal vein thrombosis was the detection of pulsatile arterial flow, either hepatopetal or hepatofugal, in the thrombus. The US data were correlated with the types of portal vein thrombosis. RESULTS: Among the 56 patients, there were 40 benign and 16 malignant portal thromboses. Unenhanced Doppler US detected continuous blood flow in 24 benign thromboses and pulsatile in 3 malignant thromboses. No flow, either continuous or pulsatile, was detected in 16 cases with benign thrombosis and in 13 cases with malignant thrombosis. Contrast-enhanced Doppler US allowed to assess pulsatile flow in 15 cases with malignant thrombosis (94%). The use of pulsatile flow as diagnostic criterion of malignant thrombosis yielded a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 95% with conventional Doppler US, whereas contrast-enhanced US achieved a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced Doppler US is a reliable diagnostic tool for assessing malignant portal vein thrombosis.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: To assess the value of revascularization to crural and pedal arteries using the popliteal artery as inflow source. METHODS: Experimental design: Retrospective study with a mean follow-up period of 15.2 months (range, 0-46). Setting: Academic referral center. Patients: 62 patients with critical leg ischaemia and popliteal artery suitable as inflow source for infrapopliteal arterial revascularisation. Interventions: 66 popliteal-to-distal bypass procedures, of which 18 popliteal-crural bypass grafts and 48 popliteal-pedal bypass grafts. Main outcome measures: Bypass graft patency, leg salvage, survival and success defined as patients alive with leg. RESULTS: At 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up, the primary patency rates were 87%, 58%, and 55%, secondary patency rates were 95%, 70%, and 67%, leg salvage rates were 97%, 88%, and 88%, while 88%, 70%, and 66% of patients were alive with legs at the same intervals. At 2-year follow-up the survival rate was 72%. Above-knee popliteal-to-distal bypasses achieved better primary patency (p=0.02) and corrected primary patency rates (p=0.01) than below-knee popliteal-to-distal bypasses. Diabetes and uraemia affected the survival and patients alive with leg rates. CONCLUSIONS: Popliteal-to-distal bypass surgery is worthwhile for the management of severe, isolated infrapopliteal atherosclerotic disease. Diabetic and uraemic patients are at high risk for both leg and life loss after revascularisation. Grafts originating from the above-knee popliteal artery may achieve better patency rates than those originating from the below-knee popliteal artery.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors affecting the immediate 30-day postoperative outcome of infrapopliteal bypass grafts. A series of 511 revascularization procedures to the infrapopliteal arteries have been performed in 439 patients with critical leg ischemia. There were 306 crural bypasses and 205 pedal bypasses. The 30-day postoperative primary and secondary patency rates were 77.5% and 83.4%, respectively; the leg salvage rate was 89.8%; the survival rate was 94.7%; and 85.1% of patients were alive with a salvaged leg. A history of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, or stroke had a great impact on the postoperative cardiac and cerebrovascular fatal and nonfatal complications. C-reactive protein arose as an important predictor of the length of hospital stay (p = 0.03), postoperative cardiac complications (p = 0.02), leg salvage (p = 0.009), amputation with patent graft (p = 0.009), and patients who survived with a salvaged leg (p = 0.006). Poor results were achieved in patients on long-term dialysis. Surgical experience had an influence on leg salvage (p = 0.02) and on patients alive with salvaged leg rates (p = 0.009). Infrapopliteal bypass surgery is a demanding procedure requiring high surgical skill and experience. Revascularization may be contraindicated when severe coronary disease, previous stroke, renal failure requiring long-term dialysis, diabetes, or high serum concentration of C-reactive protein coexist with critical leg ischemia, as these patients are at high risk for early postoperative leg or life loss.
Abstract: Lower limb ischaemia is one of the determinants in the development of diabetic foot ulcers and the most important factor preventing their healing. There are a number of misleading factors masking the presence of atherosclerotic disease and tissue damage; these are reduced inflammatory response to infection, autosympathectomy and mediasclerosis, which all diminish the clinical suspicion of ischaemia. Therefore, adequate assessment of the lower limb circulation should be routinely performed in complicated diabetic foot. This evaluation can often be made with simple methods. In addition to clinical examination ankle/brachial pressure index, systolic toe pressure, plethysmographic pulse volume recordings and simple hand-held Doppler auscultation are most often sufficient to make a decision as to whether angiography is needed or not. Duplex examination can give more profound information on the severity and extent of arterial occlusive disease, but the method is strongly user-dependent. Early vascular consultation is mandatory in diabetic foot work-up and should be undertaken within 2 weeks if a new skin lesion shows no tendency to heal. Long bypass grafting procedures and microvascular free flap techniques have been shown to achieve excellent results in relieving critical leg ischaemia, even in the presence of large foot lesions, and should be used to prevent major amputation. The timing of various procedures is a controversial issue. Feet with small ulcers or restricted dry gangrena can be revascularised first, with minor amputations and local surgery of the ulcer being done thereafter. In the septic neuroischaemic foot, major amputation may be unavailable but if the infection is not immediately life-threatening the infected part of the foot should be drained and debrided properly and left wide open, sometimes with a guillotine amputation in order not to risk the bypass graft, which can be done a couple of days later.
Abstract: The Chievitz juxtaparotid organ represents a macroscopic longitudinal formation, which is developed from oral cavity ectoderm in its lateral wall. As to its function, the organ probably represents a mechanosensor with different qualities of perception. The information coming from its sensors takes part in different activities of the lateral wall of oral cavity during sucking, swallowing, mastication, speech, protecting reflexes and wall tonus. The Chievitz juxtaparotid organ is not only a morphologically interesting structure, but is of great importance also for clinic and surgical pathology of the oral cavity.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: to identify the risk factors affecting the outcome of bypass grafts to the foot arteries. DESIGN: longitudinal observational study from a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: one-hundred and sixty-five infrainguinal bypasses to the foot arteries were performed in 162 legs of 149 patients with critical leg ischaemia. RESULTS: at 1-month, 1-year, 2-year and 3-year follow-up, the primary patency rates were 74%, 43%, 38% and 34%, the secondary patency rates were 82%, 50%, 47% and 41%, the leg salvage rates were 88%, 66%, 66% and 60%, survival rates were 95%, 76%, 69% and 55%, whereas 82%, 53%, 49% and 36% of patients were alive with salvaged leg, respectively. Low preoperative plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and short grafts with more distal arterial inflow had a better outcome. Better primary and secondary patency rates were also achieved by experienced surgeons and by the use of in situ saphenous vein grafts. Pedal run-off scoring did not have any impact on the outcome of pedal bypasses. CONCLUSIONS: short pedal bypasses using in situ saphenous vein technique, done by an experienced surgeon, have the best outcome. Revascularisation to the foot arteries may carry a poor outcome in patients with elevated preoperative CRP concentration.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the efficacy of the revised ad hoc scoring system in predicting the outcome of femorocrural bypass surgery. Design: retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: seventy-seven infrainguinal bypass procedures to the crural arteries were performed in 69 patients with critical leg ischaemia. Preoperative angiographic findings were graded according to the revised ad hoc scoring system and other preoperative angiographic measures. RESULTS: the revised ad hoc scores were valuable in predicting the outcome of these grafts. The status of the outflow artery throughout its length had a great impact on the long-term outcome in terms of secondary patency, leg salvage, patients alive with legs, and survival rates. In situ autogenous saphenous grafts achieved the best immediate and long-term results. CONCLUSIONS: the revised ad hoc angiographic scoring method is useful in predicting the outcome of patients undergoing femorocrural arterial reconstruction. Patients with an outflow artery completely open throughout its length had excellent long-term results.
Abstract: The authors describe the first ever reported case of a malignant pecoma of the uterus infiltrating the ovary, the tube and two bowel loops. This extremely rare tumour usually shows a benign behaviour and seems to arise from the perivascular epithelioid cells (PEC).
Abstract: The Authors describe the interposition vein cuff technique as an adjuvant method to infrainguinal prosthetic bypass grafts. The haemodynamic, mechanical and humoral factors thought to be involved in the beneficial effects of the vein cuff are herein discussed. The results of the main series suggest the use of this method particularly in patients without any available autologous vein conduit requiring a below-knee popliteal or crural reconstruction.
Abstract: Transmission electron microscopy was performed on specimens of the thymus of rats induced for acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). The ultrastructural alterations of the thymus were progressive and correlated with EAE development. The thymic disorganization was due to a progressive degeneration of both epithelial cells and thymocytes. These data suggest a direct involvement of the epithelial thymic cells and thymocytes in EAE pathogenesis and may suggest the intriguing therapeutic concept of thymectomy in the management of multiple sclerosis.
Abstract: The authors describe a patient who developed congestive heart failure one month after femoroperoneal bypass and adjuvant common ostium arteriovenous fistula procedure. The occlusion of the concomitant vein proximally to the arteriovenous fistula promptly resolved such a serious complication which, to our knowledge, has never been described previously.
Abstract: The authors report the case of a patient with a large leg ulcer secondary to polyarteritis nodosa unresponsive to corticosteroid, cytotoxic, and anticoagulant therapy who was successfully treated with iloprost.
Abstract: Two basic patterns of venous drainage of the stomach were found in rabbits. In the first, which is highly prevalent (27 cases-90.0%), the v. gastroepiploica dextra is present while no such vein is present in the second one. Other venous channels are represented by the v. gastrica sinistra and by tributaries of the v. lienalis. In cats there are also two basic patterns of the stomach venous drainage. The first highly prevalent type without the v. gastroepiploica dextra was found in 23 cases (76.0%); in the second type this vein was present. In rabbits the v. gastroepiploica sinistra was observed in 25 cases (82.5%), in cats in only two cases (6.6%). The v. gastroepiploica dextra in the rabbit is usually a tributary of the v. portae, while in cats it is a tributary of the v. lienalis. In ten rabbits (33.3%) there was a venous arch around the curvatura ventriculi major, while in cats it was absent. The great difference in the stomach venous pattern in rabbits and cats can be explained by the different zoological position of these two kinds of animals.
Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of an aggressive management of infrapopliteal autogenous vein graft infection. METHODS: Among 341 consecutive infrapopliteal autogenous vein bypass grafts performed at the Helsinki University Central Hospital, 14 patients (4%) had infragenicular wound infection that involved the vein graft. Six of these patients had graft rupture and bleeding. An extensive debridement was performed in all patients. Seven of the grafts had to be partially removed and replaced. The wound and the graft immediately were covered with local muscle flaps in 4 patients and with free muscle flaps in 10 patients. RESULTS: One patient died, and another patient underwent above-knee amputation as a result of a persistent infection and necrosis of the local muscle flap during the 30-day postoperative period. No graft rupture occurred after the treatment of the infected conduit. Graft occlusion occurred in 4 patients who underwent regrafting because of graft rupture and in 1 patient with an infected intact conduit. One patient underwent amputation 15 months later because of an uncontrollable infection despite a patent graft and a functioning flap. At the 1-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up periods, the leg salvage rates were 92%, 75%, 55%, and 44%, respectively. At the same intervals, 92%, 92%, 70%, and 70% of the patients survived and 85%, 68%, 34%, and 34% of the patients were alive without the loss of their legs. CONCLUSION: Radical surgical debridement and immediate muscle flap coverage seem to offer an effective alternative method to preserve an infected infrapopliteal autogenous vein graft and to achieve leg salvage. Poor results are expected when a regrafting procedure is necessary for the rupture of an infected vein graft.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The choice between subtotal and total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter is controversial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subtotal and total thyroidectomy have been respectively performed in 108 and 451 euthyroid patients with multinodular goiter. RESULTS: After subtotal and total thyroidectomy, transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy occurred in 1 patient (0.9%) and 3 (0.6%), transient asymptomatic hypoparathyroidism in 27 (25%) and 131 (29%), and transient symptomatic hypoparathyroidism in 2 (1.8%) and 13 (2.9%), respectively (P = NS). After subtotal thyroidectomy, recurrence occurred in 27 patients (26%) Re-operation in 14 patients resulted in transient RLN palsy in 2 patients (14%), transient asymptomatic hypoparathyroidism in 6 (43 %) and transient symptomatic hypoparathyroidism in 2 (14%). CONCLUSIONS: The failure to demonstrate any 'hormonal advantage' in preserving thyroid tissue by subtotal thyroidectomy, and the low morbidity rate and no need for re-operation after primary total thyroidectomy, make the latter the procedure of choice for the management of non-toxic multinodular goiter.
Abstract: Insular carcinoma of the thyroid (ICT) is an uncommon malignancy with intermediate morphology and behaviour between well-differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Eight patients with ICT underwent total thyroidectomy. A modified neck dissection was carried out in six of them. Cervical lymph nodes metastases were detected during surgery in six patients or at scintigraphy in two patients who did not undergo neck dissection. Postoperatively, a patient developed diffuse metastases not detected by 131I whole-body scintigraphy and she died of disease 6 months later despite radio- and chemotherapy. Another patient had distant metastases detected by 131I whole-body scintigraphy and successfully treated by radioiodine ablative therapy. Unfortunately, she developed other distant metastases with no 131I uptake and died of disease 23 months later despite chemotherapy. After a mean follow-up of 5.5 years, 6 patients (75%) were alive without evidence of disease. These observations confirmed the aggressiveness of ICTs that sometimes are not responsive to current available therapies. The frequent occurrence of metastases to the regional lymph node calls on for a modified neck dissection in all patients with ICT.
Abstract: The authors report a 27-year-old woman with mitochondrial myopathy and respiratory failure requiring nasal-CPAP administration who successfully underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis. The hypothesis that minimally invasive surgery results in less operative stress is truly substantiated by the experience with laparoscopy in such patients with high risk of perioperative and postoperative complications.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The fear of anastomotic complications prevents the spread of the use of the biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) in intestinal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 453 patients underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis with the BAR. RESULTS: In all, 514 anastomoses have been carried out, 424 (83%) in elective settings, and 90 (18%) in emergency. Fifty-one patients had multiple anastomoses. Reoperation was performed in 4 patients (1%) who had a complete anastomotic leakage. In 13 patients (3%), anastomotic leakage was partial, and only 1 patient required reoperation. No postoperative intestinal obstruction occurred. Four patients (1%) developed late anastomotic strictures, which have been treated by endoscopic dilation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our experience and those of other large clinical series definitely confirm the effectiveness of the BAR method, which seems to be a standard, easy, rapid, and safe technique either in elective or emergency surgery.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To determine the utility of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the femoropopliteal segment in patients with claudication and critical leg ischaemia (CLI). DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. SETTING: A university based vascular surgical centre. MATERIAL: Ninety-five patients with stenosing or occlusive arterial lesions of the femoropopliteal segment underwent 52 primary PTA for claudication and 50 primary PTA for CLI. METHODS: The procedure was considered haemodynamically successful when the increase of immediate postprocedural ABI was 0.15 or more. The criterion for haemodynamic success during follow-up was an ABI having not decreased by more than 0.15 from the immediate postprocedural level. The run-off arteries were graded according to the scoring system proposed by the SVS/ISCVS. RESULTS: Among the technically successful procedures (83%), the haemodynamic success rate was 77% at 1 month, 55% after 1 year, and 51% after 2 years. The cumulative haemodynamic success rates were 83%, 66% and 61% in claudicants, and 70%, 42%, and 38% in CLI (p = 0.03). In patients with a run-off score < or = 7.5, the success rates were 84%, 67%, and 60%, respectively, whereas in those with a crural score > 7.5 these were 61%, 39%, and 39%, respectively (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The haemodynamic results suggest that PTA to the femoropopliteal segment is seldom a procedure of choice for critically ischaemic legs with poor run-off. The run-off score is useful in identifying patients who may benefit from PTA.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether infrainguinal bypass surgery is worthwhile in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) and chronic renal failure. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with moderate renal failure indicated by serum creatinine level above 150 mumol/l, 10 patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, and three patients with functioning kidney transplant, underwent 39 bypass procedures for critical limb ischaemia. RESULTS: Six femoropopliteal, 14 femorocrural and 19 femoropedal bypasses were performed. The immediate, 1-month, and 1-year primary patency rates were 97%, 84% and 70%, respectively. The limb salvage was 93% at 1-month and 72% at 1-year follow-up. One-year patency and leg salvage rates were 81% and 79% in non-dialysis patients, and 47% and 37% in dialysis patients. At 1-year follow-up, 55% of surviving patients had salvaged limbs. None of the patients in dialysis was alive with salvaged legs 4 months after revascularisation. Among preoperative risk factors, only serum creatinine showed a statistical significance in predicting leg salvage and survival. CONCLUSIONS: As the outcome of patients on dialysis is very poor after infrainguinal bypass grafting, revascularisation is seldom indicated. On the contrary, leg salvage can achieve good results in patients not requiring dialysis.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To determine the value of the Ad Hoc scoring system (SVS/ISCVS) in predicting the immediate outcome of femoropopliteal saphenous vein grafts. DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS: One hundred and twenty patients underwent 132 primary femoropopliteal vein bypass procedures, 32 for claudication and 100 for critical leg ischemia (CLI). METHODS: The outflow arteries were graded according to the Ad Hoc scoring system (SVS/ISCVS). Postoperative immediate graft patency and leg salvage to the period of the first 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-one per cent of claudicants and 83% of CLI patients had immediate patency. The overall 30-day patency rate was 85%. Leg salvage rate was 91% for the patients with CLI. Patients with score in the highest quartile were found to have a 8.7 times higher risk for immediate graft occlusion (p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis showed that the Ad Hoc score was predictive of immediate patency (p = 0.0006) and leg salvage (p = 0.0004). In patients with a score < or = 7.5 and in those with a score > 7.5, the patency rates were 95% and 66% (p = 0.001), and the leg salvage rates were 97% and 80%, (p = 0.004), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Ad Hoc scoring system is useful in predicting the immediate outcome of femoropopliteal saphenous vein grafts.
Abstract: The poor results obtained with the use of prosthesis in infrapopliteal arterial bypass grafting for critical limb ischaemia led to the introduction of several types of adjuvant arteriovenous fistula to improve the patency and limb salvage rates in patients who have no suitable autologous vein. The main aim of adjunctive arteriovenous fistula in infrageniculate prosthetic bypass is to accelerate the blood flow velocity through the prosthetic graft above the thrombotic threshold level. Since they are subject of great debate among vascular surgeons, the Authors have briefly reviewed the haemodynamic aspects and results reported with the use of such procedures.
Abstract: METHODS: Sixty-eight patients underwent elective colon resection and intraperitoneal anastomosis with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR). RESULTS: Anastomotic dehiscence occurred in 3 patients (4.4%). Two of them had an end-to-end ileocolostomy using a 31 mm BAR. The anastomosis failure was due to ischaemic lesion of the small bowel close to the ileocolostomy, probably caused by a mismatch between the size of small bowel and that of the BAR. Another patient experienced anastomosis dehiscence probably due to a faecal impaction into the BAR. Forty-eight patients (70.5%) experienced troublesome constipation and evacuated after the sixth postoperative day. A bowel obstruction proximal to the BAR was documented in 4 cases who have been treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: The low rate of major complications justify the use of the BAR in elective colon surgery, but the surgeon must be aware of tedious postoperative obstructive episodes frequently encountered in this series.
Abstract: Since an aggressive revascularisation policy for critical limb ischemia (CLI) has been shown to lower morbidity and mortality, to improve quality of life and to be cost-effective in comparison to amputation, extra-anatomic bypass (EAB) grafts may be indicated whenever hostile local conditions or severe medical diseases contraindicate an aortofemoral reconstruction. Most series report limb-salvage rates markedly higher than the related patency rates, as revascularisations may often heal the ischemic extremity before the graft occludes. A large review of data from the literature suggests that EAB grafting for CLI may achieve gratifying results in a subgroup of patients with multilevel obstructive disease and not suitable for conventional aortofemoral repair.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) proved its usefulness in elective bowel surgery. AIMS: To verify the validity of the BAR in restoring bowel continuity in emergency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively evaluated the results of 62 intestinal resections and primary anastomoses with the BAR performed in 53 consecutive patients undergoing single-stage surgery for acute abdomen. No patients had either preoperative bowel preparation or intraoperative intestinal lavage. RESULTS: No proximal ileostomy or colostomy was used. A single anastomosis was made in 47 patients, while the remaining 6 patients underwent multiple intestinal resections with primary anastomoses. Forty-nine of the 53 patients had an uneventful recovery. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients (3.2%) operated on for an obstructing carcinoma of the left colon. One patient was successfully treated with a period of total parenteral nutrition, whereas the other required reoperation for a complete anastomotic leak due to failed closure of the device which was re-inserted successfully. Two patients (3.7%) died postoperatively of myocardial infarction and hepato-renal syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Although this is a non-randomised trial, these results suggest that the BAR can be employed effectively in the emergency setting, even when single-stage intestinal surgery is performed.
Abstract: A retrospective study on patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma operated on at the 3rd Department of General Surgery of the University "La Sapienza" of Rome from 1970 to 1996 was performed. In 709 patients total thyroidectomy was performed as the minimal procedure acceptable, while 19 patients had subtotal thyroidectomy out of necessity. A functional ipsilateral or bilateral lymphnectomy of the neck was performed in 256 cases. This wider operation is indicated in the presence of metastatic lymph nodes and on principle in patients older than forty-five years in which at least another risk factor is present. Long term follow-up (12 years) was assured in 302 patients and the survival rate was 92% independently from the histotype (papillary or follicular). The survival rate of a group of 120 patients (80 with papillary and 40 with follicular carcinoma) was analyzed in relation to the risk factors. This group analysis demonstrated a very low mortality rate in patients with low risk index and an increased rate in patients with a high risk index.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is a feasible procedure in selected patients. In order to assess how many AAAs are suitable for such a procedure, a survey has been conducted in Helsinki, Kuopio, and Tampere University Hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: AAAs having a maximum diameter of 45 mm or more at ultrasonography were included for further evaluation and assessment by angiography and/or spiral CT angiography to determine the length and width of infrarenal aneurysmal neck as well as the dimensions of the distal abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. RESULTS: Among a total of 75 patients with AAA examined in three centres, ultrasonography overestimated the size of the aneurysm in 12 cases that were demonstrated by angiography and CT to have a diameter of less than 45 mm. Among those patients with larger aneurysms, 17 (27%) were suitable for endovascular repair. Stent grafting has been performed in 10 patients until May, 1997. Perigraft leakage occurred in one patient who required the insertion of an additional collar stent graft. CONCLUSIONS: Large numbers of suitable patients are not easy to find but, by performing joint screening in Finland, epidemiological data on suitable aneurysms and improving co-operation between centres can be achieved. Therefore, it would be wise to centralise endovascular repair of AAA.
Abstract: Vascular anastomoses among abdominal organs were studied in 289 laboratory mammals. Arterial anastomoses joining the wall or the parenchyma of the abdominal organs were studied in 108 animals and were found among the stomach, the spleen and the pancreas. In the cat, such anastomoses occur in 86.7% of cases, in the guinea pig in 73.3%, in the hedgehog in 61.1%, in the rabbit in 3.3%. The highest mean value was found in the cat: 3.1 anastomoses. Venous anastomoses were studied in 181 animals and were found among the stomach, the spleen and the pancreas, too. With the exception of the guinea pig (found in 89.1% of cases), these anastomoses were found almost in all cases of other five examined species. They mostly occur between the stomach and the spleen, and between the spleen and the pancreas with some differences in the guinea pig and the cat. The highest mean value was found in the rat: 6.1 anastomoses. For the present, it is not possible to state any significant differences among orders and species examined. As these vascular anastomoses occur also in man, we believe that they should be preserved during surgical procedures.
Abstract: The authors describe an adult patient with a giant, cystic teratoma (33 x 22 x 18 cm) involving the posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum. A conservative surgical approach consisting of a partial endocystectomy plus injections of tetracycline into the residual cavity, was performed. Two months after surgery, a CT scan showed a 6 x 5 x 3 cm residual cyst. The authors believe that the excision of the inner surface of the cystic lesion and the intracystic administration of tetracycline, may successfully prevent the accumulation of fluid which is the main cause of the progressive enlargement of such benign cystic teratomas.
Abstract: The authors studied the venous drainage pattern of the stomach in 30 adult laboratory mice (Mus musculus v. alba) and in 31 adult laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus v. alba) of both sexes. In mice, two basic patterns of the venous drainage of the stomach have been found, the first one (50.0% of cases) with a vena gastroepiploica dextra, while in the second pattern (50.0% of cases) the vena gastroepiploica dextra is absent and the venous blood from the curvatura major ventriculi and fundus ventriculi is drained only via the v. lienalis. In rats, three basic patterns of venous drainage of the stomach were found, the first group (35.2%) with the v. gastroepiploica dextra, the second group (38.4%) with prevalence of the v. gastrica sinistra and the third group with various tributaries of the v. lienalis from the stomach (25.6%). The vena gastrica sinistra is the only constant venous channel in both animals examined. Between interorganic venous anastomoses in the mouse and the rat no great differences exist. In spite of the great variability of veins the results indicate that it is possible to differentiate some basic patterns of the venous drainage of the stomach in the animals studied.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In an attempt to investigate whether laparoscopy really is a major advance in the treatment of inguinal hernia, the authors performed laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal herniorrhaphy under regional anaesthesia in 15 consecutive patients, 7 of whom with severe medical conditions contraindicating general anaesthesia. METHODS: In the first 5 patients (Group 1) an epidural anaesthesia was performed, whereas in the following 10 patients (Group 2), fentanyl was added to the epidural anaesthesia, and bupivacaine was administered into the subarachnoid space. RESULTS: Results from Group 1 were poorer than those obtained in Group 2. All patients complained of shoulder pain and discomfort which required the intraoperative administration of analgesics in 7 patients and conversion to open repair in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Although laparoscopy is a feasible and effective procedure in repairing inguinal hernias, it is not indicated in high-risk patients who can be safely, effectively, and less expensively treated with open tension-free repair techniques under local anaesthesia.
Abstract: We report the favourable outcome of a patient who suffered from severe arterial and venous thrombosis during chemotherapy for testicular pure choriocarcinoma. An increased paraneoplastic stimulus of HCG secondary to the marker surge phenomenon is suggested as responsible for transient hypercoagulability and subsequent thromboembolism.
Abstract: Over the past decade, the role of immunoscintigraphy using radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies has been steadily growing in clinical oncology, and in particular, in radioimmunotherapy and radioimmunoguided surgery for the treatment of primary, recurrent, and metastatic colorectal, ovarian, gastric, and prostate cancer. Herein, the authors review the requirements for successful tumour radioimmunodetection and related procedures.
Abstract: The authors report a clinical and ultrastructural study on a group of patients with angiomegaly, a vascular disorder characterized by elongated and distended blood vessels affecting the arterial (arteriomegaly) and/or venous system (venomegaly). The arterial group, drawn from a large arteriographic series, focuses on a comparison between atherosclerotic arteriopathy and arteriomegaly. The venous group, drawn from a large ultrasound series of vein disorders, is made up of patients with venomegaly. Venomegaly gives rise to few or no symptoms and it appears to be less frequent than arteriomegaly but as the latter proved to be associated in the majority of cases studied. Based on ultrastructural findings, the chief abnormality of angiomegaly seems to lie in a specific alteration of the elastic component of the vessel wall. We found slightly osmiophil amorphous elastic material neighbouring the basement membrane of the myocytes of the vessel walls. In the superficial parts of these myocytes occurred a great number of pinocytotic vesicles indicating for a rich creation of the new elastic material. Middle or highly osmiophil thick elastic fibers with irregular side protrusions were also found among myocytes remembering the moth-eaten picture. Results from a large ultrasonographic study on patients' relatives suggest an inheritability of this vascular disorder.
Abstract: Of a total of 5,700 surgical procedures on the neck performed at our Institution between 1984 and 1995, 13 operations (0.22%) have been done on 11 patients with 16 cervical paragangliomas. A woman underwent resection of synchronous bilateral carotid body tumours and of an intravagal paraganglioma. Ten years later, after preoperative angiographic embolization, she underwent resection of a paraganglioma of the left hypoglossal nerve. Her sister, at age 21, underwent resection of a carotid body tumour and, respectively 19 and 20 years later, of a right and left intravagal paraganglioma. An interposition graft for replacement of the carotid bifurcation was necessary in one patient only. During resection of a left carotid body tumour, acute hypotension occurred resulting in an ischemic lesion of the right temporal lobe. Postoperatively, she also complained of respiratory distress that responded to medical therapy with difficulty. The related neurologic symptoms completely resolved three months after surgery. The operation for a paraganglioma of the left hypoglossal nerve resulted in a temporary motor deficit of the tongue and in permanent considerable difficulty in swallowing. Unilateral recurrent nerve palsy occurred in two patients. No patients during the postoperative follow-up showed signs of local recurrence or metastatic disease. In conclusion, surgery is an effective treatment for cervical paraganglioma, but because of the high surgical complication rate, an experienced and skilled surgeon is called on to optimize outcome. An adequate perioperative care is advisable.
Abstract: Although lateral internal sphincterotomy is widely accepted as the treatment of choice for anal fissures, we report our experience of successfully treating 195 consecutive patients with posterior chronic anal fissures by performing fissurectomy with midline sphincterotomy and anoplasty (FPSA). The surgical technique is described and its indications and results are briefly discussed.
Abstract: The Authors studied the localization of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5-like immunoreactivity in normal human kidney tissue and compared the results with the same immunostaining in renal cell carcinoma. PGP 9.5-like immunoreactivity was found in cells of distal convoluted tubules and in some glomerular capillaries. The cells of proximal convoluted tubules did not show any immunostaining. Sections from renal cell carcinoma showed a very low immunostaining or were negative for PGP 9.5. As PGP 9.5 is a marker of the diffuse endocrine system, the Authors believe that the stained cells of distal tubules should be considered as neuroendocrine cells. The negative reaction to PGP 9.5 antibodies in renal cell carcinoma is rather surprising since not only tumours of neuroectodermal origin, but also tumours of other origin and tissues from some chronic degenerative diseases show a positive reaction. The explication of a negative reaction in renal cell carcinoma remains open: one of the possible explanations could be the specific histogenesis of this tumour.
Abstract: The authors suggest a new method of biopsy of a seemingly normal human parathyroid gland during surgery for parathyroid adenoma. Such a method provides adequate surgical specimen to rule out a likely diffuse hyperplastic disease associated with the parathyroid adenoma, and for the ultrastructural study of the gland, without any risk of postoperative complication. In all patients, ultrastructural examination showed an abnormal cell population and signs of glandular atrophy as a consequence of the high level of serum calcium due to hormonal hyperfunction of the parathyroid adenoma.
Abstract: Staging of esophageal cancer is fundamental for treatment and prognosis of this tumour. At present, barium swallow and computed tomography (CT) are the most utilized diagnostic modalities. In recent years Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) has been employed for this purpose. We retrospectively compared the results of EUS and CT staging of 33 selected patients with postsurgical stage. EUS allowed a correct diagnosis of parietal invasion in 82% of cases vs 67% obtained by CT. At the same time, EUS diagnosed correctly 85% of metastatic lymph nodes vs 64% reached by CT. We believe that EUS, in combination with CT, is an appropriate modality for the staging of esophageal cancer.
Abstract: The authors report two patients presenting myasthenia gravis, respectively, 4 years and 2 months, and 6 years and 7 months after total resection of thymoma. Computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging did not show any signs of recurrent or metastatic thymoma. Pyridostigmine bromide was successfully administered in both patients. The late onset of autoimmune disorders should be kept in mind as possible and, sometimes, fatal complications of surgical treatment for thymoma. In all cases, recurrent or metastatic thymoma should be ruled out because reoperation may be effective even in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
Abstract: Haemorrhoidectomy by high-frequency electric bistoury was introduced by Prof. Lentini: this technique is based on the capacity of this electric bistoury to make an effective coagulation avoiding ligatures. The authors describe a new technique by the same electric bistoury introducing principles of the French school and discuss the results of their experience.
Abstract: Localized fibrous tumour of the pleura is an uncommon condition which in few cases may exhibit malignant behaviour. Herein the Authors report a large review on this intrathoracic neoplasm focusing, in particular, on differential diagnosis between benign and malignant variants.
Abstract: The authors analysed retrospectively seven patients who underwent reoperation for recurrent thymoma. Patients have been categorised according to the classification of thymic epithelial tumours proposed by Masaoka et al. (29). In addition, patients have been subgrouped according to pleural invasion as defined by Haniuda et al. (15). Thus three substages were proposed as follows: p0-no adhesion to the mediastinal pleura; p1-patients with fibrous adhesion to the mediastinal pleura without microscopic invasion; p2-patients with microscopic invasion into the mediastinal pleura. At the initial operation, two patients were in Stage I, four Stage II, and one in Stage III. All Stage I patients were classified as p1, and of the four patients in Stage II one was classified as p0 and three patients as p2. One Stage III patient was classified as p2. Disease-free survival ranged from two years and four months to 20 years and two months. All patients underwent reoperation without preoperative treatment. Recurrent disease was aggressively resected from the pleura in six patients, mediastinum in four patients, lung in three patients, and diaphragm in three patients. Two patients refused further postoperative treatment. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered to five patients; chemotherapy was added to the postoperative treatment of three patients with more advanced recurrent disease. Five patients were alive, free from any detectable tumour recurrence, one year and nine months to five years and four months after reoperation. In two patients with exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, reoperation was followed by complete remission of myasthenic symptoms. One patient died of post-radiation pulmonary fibrosis 13 months after reoperation, and one patient died of disease two years and two months after the second operation. Our findings indicate that an aggressive surgical approach to recurrent thymoma is justified and can be followed by prolonged disease-free survival.
Abstract: The authors describe a rare case of cystic nephroma treated by partial surgical excision. Because there is concurrence in the association of multilocular cysts with Wilms tumors and others tumors of the kidney, it is underlined the importance of a differential diagnosis to avoid nephrectomy for treatment of this benign neoplasm.
Abstract: The authors present a group of 199 patients with arteriomegaly, an affection characterized by elongated and distended blood vessels of the arterial system, with or without accompanying aneurysms. Our study on this group of patients, drawn from a large arteriographic series of peripheral abdominal and lower limb arterial disorders, focuses on a comparison between atherosclerotic arteriopathy and arteriomegaly. Small tissue blocks were taken from the arterial wall of patients operated on for megadolichoarteries. Electron microscopic examination of such specimens revealed a specific alteration of the elastic component of the vessel wall. The authors believe that surgical treatment of this condition is indicated in order to prevent thromboembolic complications or aneurysmal rupture.
Abstract: After a detailed discussion of the question of perianal fistulas, the authors use their own experience to examine complex perianal fistulas (trans-sphincteric with involvement of the puborectal muscle, high intersphincteric, extrasphincteric and supersphincteric) which represent 5-15% of cases. They affirm that elective treatment consists of surgical silk to ensure the optimal drainage of the fistula and provoke sclerosis of adjacent tissues, followed after 9 weeks by either the slow section of the fistula using a silicone ligature or direct fistulotomy. No cases of incontinence or recidivation were observed using this method in 29 cases treated between 1990 and 1992 who were followed up for between 6-24 months.
Abstract: Granular cell tumour is an uncommon and generally benign lesion. In oesophageal location it is often asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed at endoscopy. Three cases of granular cell oesophageal tumour are reported, with multiple location in one. In two cases the tumour was removed endoscopically by multiple biopsies.
Abstract: The authors report a rare case of spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula. The patient was asymptomatic and with a negative history for renal lithiasis, inflammation, trauma or tuberculosis. Radiological and echographical examinations permitted a complete study of the fistulous tract and the renal function; the staghorn calculi and pyelonephritis guided the decision to operate on the patient performing a nephrectomy and ureterectomy with a quick complete recovery. Biological test for micobacterium tuberculosis resulted positive after 60 days.
Abstract: Two patients with epithelioid haemangioendothelioma and one patient with multiple cavernous haemangiomas of the mediastinum, pharynx and larynx, are herein presented. Haemothorax as initial manifestation of the tumour was observed in one of them. Epithelioid haemangioendotheliomas were radically removed in both cases. Because of the absence of a well defined capsule and the huge extension, the cavernous mediastinal haemangioma was not resected. However the patient was successfully treated by administration of corticosteroids. Clinicopathologic characteristics of these benign forms of vascular tumours are discussed and treatment options are suggested.
Abstract: The development of a renal fistula is a rare event which results from an acute or chronic inflammatory process in the kidney. The authors report a very rare case of nephrojejunal and nephro-cutaneous fistulas due to acute and chronic pyelonephritis in a patient with staghorn stones of the left kidney.
Abstract: Bouveret's syndrome is represented by an intestinal occlusion due to a gallstone passed through a cholecysto-duodenal fistula and impacted in the duodenum. The authors report a case of this rare syndrome and discuss the optimal surgical approach.
