Comparative study on the ultrastructure of radial artery in elderly patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with diabetes mellitus / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the impact of age and diabetes mellitus (DM) on the ultrastructure of radial artery (RA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2009 to December 2010, 64 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with autologous RA: 14 patients aged beyond 65 years without DM [9 male patients and 5 female patients, age (70 ± 4) years] and 18 patients aged beyond 65 years with DM [11 male patients and 7 female patients, age (68 ± 5) years], 20 patients aged under 60 years without DM [13 male patients and 7 female patients, age (53 ± 5) years] and 12 patients aged under 60 years with DM [7 male patients and 5 female patients, age (51 ± 6) years]. Four groups were subjected to routine electron microscopic examination and transmission electron microscopic examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were significant differences in percentage of endothelial denudation among four groups according to scanning electron microscopic evaluation (χ² = 18.082, P = 0.000). To compare with each other, there were significant differences between DM elderly patients and non-DM elderly patients, also between DM young patients and non-DM young patients according to scanning electron microscopic evaluation. There were no significant differences between DM elderly patients and DM young patients, also between non-DM elderly patients and non-DM young patients. Foam cells and the tendency of smooth muscle cells moving to intima could be visualized in DM patients according to transmission electron microscope. According to semiquantitative electron microscopic evaluation, non-DM young patients got the lower total scores than DM young patients (1.32 ± 0.20 vs. 4.38 ± 0.30) while non-DM elderly patients got the lower total scores than DM elderly patients (1.43 ± 0.20 vs. 4.67 ± 0.30). According to factorial design, there were significant differences between DM patients and non-DM patients (F = 41.22, P = 0.000). There were no differences between elderly patients and young patients (F = 1.24, P = 0.270). There is no interaction (F = 1.05, P = 0.309) between age and DM.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>After preoperative assessment with modified Allen's test and Doppler analysis, RA used as graft in the elderly has similar quality and function with young patients, and it may lead to a high patency in long term. However, the quality of RA in patients with DM is in bad condition, and further research on patency needs to be done.</p>

The morphometry and eNOS expression of radial artery in elderly patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the morphometry and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression of radial artery (RA) between young and elderly patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2008 to June 2009, 219 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with autologous RA, 57 patients aged beyond 70 years and 64 patients aged under 60 years. Before RA was harvested, a modified Allen test was routinely performed. If positive, RA would be further evaluated with Doppler ultrasound examination. In both groups RA was collected for HE staining to evaluate percentage of luminal narrowing (LN) and relationship between intima and media width at maximum intimal thickness (IMR). Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to investigate the location and expression level of eNOS within the wall of RA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Morphometry of RA in both young and elderly patients represented mild or moderate intimal hyperplasia, and medial calcification was not found. LN in elderly patients was (22 ± 6)%, while in young patients, it was (23 ± 6)%. IMR in elderly patients was 0.36 ± 0.21, while in young patients, it was 0.42 ± 0.19. There was no significant difference in both LN and IMR between two groups (P > 0.05). Immunofluorescence indicated RA in both groups revealed a high expression of eNOS in intima and media, particularly in the smooth muscle of media. The values of relative integrated optical density in elderly patients was 1.21 ± 0.13, while in young patients, it was 1.25 ± 0.12. Also there was no significant difference in the expression level of eNOS within the wall of RA (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>After preoperative assessment with modified Allen's test and Doppler analysis, RA used as graft in the elderly has similar quality and function with young patients, and it may lead to a high patency in long term.</p>

Experimental study on the option of antispasmodic drugs for radial artery in elderly patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the relief effect of diltiazem, papaverine and nitroglycerin on radial artery spasm in elderly patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients aged beyond 70 years underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with autologous radial artery from July 2009 to March 2010. Redundant radial artery was collected and the relief function of different drugs was evaluated through "organ bath" technique in vitro. All the patients were randomly divided into 3 groups based on different antispasmodic drugs: diltiazem, papaverine and nitroglycerin. Thirty seconds free blood flow of radial artery and hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure) were assessed before and after intra-radial administration of diltiazem, papaverine and nitroglycerin in vivo.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All three drugs could relieve radial artery spasm in different levels and the eventual relief rate was over 80%. Only nitroglycerin could relax radial artery completely, the relief capacity of nitroglycerin, diltiazem and papaverine decreased in order. There was no significant difference in the hemodynamic parameters before and after the injection. Blood flow of radial artery increased in nitroglycerin group [(42 ± 10) ml/30 s vs. (28 ± 7) ml/30 s, P < 0.05] while there was no significant difference in diltiazem [(23 ± 10) ml/30 s vs. (25 ± 8) ml/30 s, P > 0.05] and papaverine group [(25 ± 10) ml/30 s vs. (24 ± 9), P > 0.05].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Nitroglycerin could relieve vasospasm of radial artery effectively and increased blood flow. Nitroglycerin is the suitable antispasmodic drug for radial artery in the elderly patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease compare with diltiazem and papaverine.</p>

Preliminary results of combined carotid endarterectomy and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with coexistent carotid and coronary artery diseases / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Coexistent carotid and coronary artery diseases are common and patients with them remain at a high risk for perioperative stroke or myocardial infarction after coronary bypass surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with coexistent carotid and coronary artery diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between January 2002 and December 2007, consecutive patients with coexistent carotid and coronary artery diseases underwent one-stage unilateral CEA and off-pump CABG in Heart Institute of Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University. Perioperative complications were assessed and follow-up was carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 51 cases of isolated off-pump CABG and unilateral CEA, including 34 right and 17 left, were performed. The mean blocked time of carotid artery in CEA was (25.5 +/- 7.0) minutes. The mean number of distal grafts per patient was 3.30 +/- 0.45. The mean ventilation time, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative hospital stay was (11.3 +/- 5.4) hours, (2.1 +/- 0.9) days, and (12.5 +/- 6.1) days respectively. None of the patients had stroke or myocardial infarct. There was one perioperative death due to acute cardiac failure, resulting in an operative mortality of 1.96%. Follow-up was completed for 47 patients (92.16%) with a mean follow-up of (39.5 +/- 12.5) months. None of the patients manifested stroke, new angina or newly developed cardiac infarct. No late death occurred.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined CEA and off-pump CABG is a safe and effective procedure in selected patients with coexistent carotid and coronary artery diseases.</p>

The effect of radial artery on coronary bypass surgery in patients aged 65 years and older / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of autologous radial artery (RA) on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the elderly aged 65 years and older.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundreds and twenty-two patients aged 65 years and older underwent CABG with autologous RA from January 2000 to March 2007. Peri-operative complication and mortality were observed and follow-up was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three hundreds and forty-four RA grafts including 300 cases of single and 22 cases of bilateral RA were collected. The total number of distal anastomosis was 974, with the mean of (3.0 +/- 0.4). The mean of RA distal anastomosis was (1.1 +/- 0.4). There were 321 single, 16 Y or T composite and 7 sequential grafts of RA constructed. The distal end of RA was anastomosed to right coronary artery system for 234 times, to obtuse marginal for 95 times, to diagonal or intermediate ramous artery for 22 times. The proximal end of RA was anastomosed to aorta for 328 times, to left internal mammary artery for 9 times and to saphenous vein for 7 times. Only 13 patients manifested transient paresthesia in the area of radial aspect of thumb and no other complication occurred in the forearm. During hospitalization, 7 patients died. No patient died after the follow-up of (46.5 +/- 6.7) months. Seventy-three patients were performed with coronary angiography postoperatively. It was showed by coronary angiography that all RA conduits were patent after the duration of (47.5 +/- 11.2) months after CABG.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Utilization of RA to CABG in the elderly is safe and effective.</p>

Role of radial artery in total arterial myocardial revascularization in coronary bypass surgery / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Total arterial revascularization (TAR) was widely utilized in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as a result of its better long-term effect compared with vein grafts. Of the arterial conduits, radial artery (RA) gained popularity for its easy availability and reported long-term patency. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of RA in TAR in CABG.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2000 to December 2006, 85 patients (56 male and 29 female) at a mean age of 57.0 +/- 5.2 years, underwent TAR in CABG. RA and left internal mammary artery (LIMA) with composite Y or T and sequential grafting techniques were used. Post-operative complications were recorded and follow-up was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighty-five LIMA and 149 RA grafts including 21 single and 64 bilateral RA were collected. A total of 87 distal anastomoses were done with the LIMA and another 152 were done with the RA, with the mean number of distal anastomosis per patient of 2.81 +/- 0.47. The proximal RA ends were anastomsed directly to the aorta in 140 grafts with Y or T graft off in situ LIMA in 9, Y or T graft off RA in 9. The distal end was anastomsed to right coronary artery system in 92, to obtuse margina in 46, to diagonal in 19 and to ramous intermedius in 5. Nine sequential anastomoses were performed with RA. Nine composite Y or T grafts were constructed with RA and LIMA while another 9 were constructed with RA and RA. One (1.2%) patient died, 3 patients (3.5%) experienced acute renal failure and 2 (2.4%) developed stroke. All patients were still alive and no patient had evidences of newly occurred myocardial infarction or angina after a mean follow-up of 36.5 +/- 4.1 months (6 - 67 months). Postoperatively at 6 month, mean left ventricular ejective fraction was increased to 0.49 +/- 0.09, compared with that of 0.43 +/- 0.11 preoperatively (P = 0.027). Postoperative mean New York Heart Association class was 2.5 +/- 0.5, compared with that of 3.0 +/- 0.4 preoperatively (P = 0.003).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TAR with arterial conduits of which RA was mainly used was proved in this study to be effective and safe in CABG.</p>

Analysis of the risk factors of acute renal insufficiency following coronary artery bypass grafting / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the risk factors of acute renal insufficiency (ARI) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinic data of 2242 patients undertaking CABG between July 1997 and July 2006 were retrospectively analyzed, and ARI following CABG was included.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ARI occurred in 219 patients, with an incidence of 9.8%. Univariate analysis revealed that advanced age, diabetes mellitus, preoperative chronic renal dysfunction, left main disease, low left ventricular erection faction, emergency operation, on-pump CABG, ascending aortic atherosclerosis, postoperative respiratory function insufficiency and low cardiac output syndrome were significantly related to ARI following CABG, and logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that presence of advanced age (P = 0.031), preoperatively chronic renal dysfunction (CrCl <or= 60 ml/min, P = 0.023 or Scr >or= 150 micromol/L, P = 0.041), on-pump CABG (P < 0.001), postoperative respiratory function insufficiency (P = 0.013) and low cardiac output syndrome (P = 0.004) were independent risk factors of ARI.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Advanced age, preoperatively chronic renal dysfunction, on-pump CABG, postoperative respiratory function insufficiency and low cardiac output syndrome are the risk factors of ARI following CABG.</p>