Post pump chorea in a 77-year-old male.

In this report, we present a case of a post pump chorea in a 77-year-old male after concomitant cardiac procedure. Since this complication usually occurs in children, to our knowledge, the presented patient is the eldest described in literature. We discuss a long aortic clamp, resp. pump time presumably as a risk factor in this case. The symptoms improved after treatment with tetrabenazine.

Beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting with miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass results in a more complete revascularization when compared to off-pump grafting.

The technique of miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (M-CPB) for beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is relatively new and has potential advantages when compared to conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). M-CPB consists of less tubing length and requires less priming volume. The system is phosphorylcholine coated and results in minimal pump-related inflammatory response and organ injury. Finally, this technique combines the advantages of the off-pump CABG (OPCAB) with the better exposure provided by CPB to facilitate complete revascularization. The hypothesis is that CABG with M-CPB has a better outcome in terms of complete coronary revascularization and perioperative results as that compared to off-pump CABG (OPCAB). In a retrospective study, 302 patients underwent beating-heart CABG, 117 (39%) of them with the use of M-CPB and 185 (61%) with OPCAB. After propensity score matching 62 patients in both groups were demographically similar. The most important intra- and early-postoperative parameters were analyzed. Endpoints were hospital mortality and complete revascularization. Hospital mortality was comparable between the groups. The revascularization was significantly more complete in M-CPB patients than in patients in the OPCAB group. Beating-heart CABG with M-CPB is a safe procedure and it provides an optimal operative exposure with significantly more complete coronary revascularization when compared to OPCAB. Beating-heart CABG with the support of a M-CPB is the operation of choice when total coronary revascularization is needed.

Beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting using a miniaturized extracorporeal circulation system.

BACKGROUND: Experience with miniaturized coronary artery bypass (CAB) systems in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery on the beating heart is limited. We used a relatively new miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system, which we termed assisted CAB (ACAB), to perform CABG on the beating heart in 110 patients, and we analyzed clinical outcomes in this patient group. METHODS: Between January 2004 and September 2006, we used ACAB to perform CABG on the beating heart in 110 patients. The mean patient age was 73 +/- 8.1 years. The ACAB system uses a small prime volume of only 500 mL, and the circuit is shorter than that used in conventional CPB. In addition, the tubing and oxygenator systems were surface-coated with phosphorylcholine. The initial heparin dose was 150 IU/kg, with a target activated clotting time of >250 seconds. With this management, none of the patients experienced system thrombosis. We did not use cardioplegia or aortic crossclamping and did not routinely retransfuse cardiotomy blood. Observational data for the 110 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean number of anastomoses performed was 2.67. The rate of perioperative infarction was 1.8% (2 patients). Perioperative mortality was 7% (8 patients). The mean EuroSCORE for all patients was 6.4 +/- 4, whereas it was 13.75 +/- 6.18 for the patients who died. Mean CPB time was 64.96 +/- 16.66 minutes. CONCLUSION: In our experience, beating heart CABG supported by a miniaturized CPB is a safe procedure with acceptable perioperative results.

Autologous platelet gel fails to show beneficial effects on wound healing after saphenectomy in CABG patients.

Wound healing impairment in the leg after removal of the saphenous vein within the framework of a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation represents a clinically significant problem. Patients suffer from this complication, and treatment of the wounds is costly in terms of both time and money. No method is known to date that reliably prevents postoperative wound healing disturbances. The effect of autologous platelet gel to stimulate wound healing is known from various medical disciplines. Within a prospective randomized study, we wanted to determine whether intraoperative use of autologous platelet gel on the leg during a CABG operation could reduce the incidence of postoperative wound healing disturbances. The application group (AG) included 35 patients and was compared to a control group (CG) that also had 35 patients. The platelet gel, as well as the thrombin required to activate the platelets, was prepared from autologous patient blood during the operation. Validation of the platelet gel comprised measurement of the growth factors platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF AB) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), as well as the thrombocyte and leukocyte counts. Wound healing was photographically documented after surgery, and the patients were contacted by telephone on day 50 after surgery to obtain information on wound healing status. After cell separation, the platelet count was 1616 +/- 845/microL, which is higher than in whole blood by a factor of 7.1 +/- 2.0, with a platelet yield of 47.0% +/- 13.2%. The PDGF AB concentration after activation of the platelets was raised by a median factor of 158 and EGF by a median factor of 64 compared with whole blood. During the primary clinical stay, no statistically significant differences were recorded in the number of hematomas, postoperative leg swelling, or pain level. Large-area hematomas were less frequent in the application group (AG, 29.4% vs. CG, 60%, p = .007). In the follow-up 51 +/- 9 days after surgery, 17.6% (6/34) of the patients from the AG and 31.4% (11/35) of the patients from the CG showed leg wound healing disturbances (p = .184). Using the cell separation system, a biological product that contains high concentrations of platelets, leukocytes, and growth factors can be prepared reproducibly. Despite optimum application of the autologous platelet gel to the wound, no clinically relevant differences were found between the groups, either during the primary clinic stay or in the follow-up period.

Early outcome after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: effect on mortality and stroke.

OBJECTIVE: One of the major and devastating complications of the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the stroke. Avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may reduce this neurological complication. In the past years there was an increased interest in the off-pump coronary artery grafting (OPCAB). The benefit of this method of revascularization in term of stroke and mortality is controversially discussed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of collected data from 252 patients were operated without cardiopulmonary bypass out of 1516 CABG procedures from January 2004 through May 2006. The mean age of the patient population was 70+/-11 years, within a range of 27-88 years. Forty-eight (19%) patients were older than 80 years and there were 172 (69%) males. Mean graft per patient was 1.78+/-0.79. The internal mammary artery (IMA) graft was used in 95% of the patients. For eight (3.17%) patients this was the second procedure. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 3.17%; Mean EuroSCORE in these patients was 10.36+/-6.67. No neurological complications occurred, six (2.38%) patients had temporary psycho syndrome. Postoperative myocardial infarction occurred in three (1.19%) patients. Two patients required rethoracotomy as a result of bleeding. Thirty-eight (15%) patients needed postoperative therapy for atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: CABG with OPCAB technique has the benefit of low mortality and morbidity in terms of stroke. The advantages of this technique depends on the patient's general condition at the time of the operation, the sufficiency of pump function and coronary morphology, as well as on the surgeon's experience.

Early outcome after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: effect on mortality and stroke / Resultado inicial após revascularização miocárdica: efeito na mortalidade e no acidente cerebrovascular

OBJECTIVE: One of the major and devastating complications of the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the stroke. Avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may reduce this neurological complication. In the past years there was an increased interest in the off-pump coronary artery grafting (OPCAB). The benefit of this method of revascularization in term of stroke and mortality is controversially discussed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of collected data from 252 patients were operated without cardiopulmonary bypass out of 1516 CABG procedures from January 2004 through May 2006. The mean age of the patient population was 70±11years, within a range of 27-88 years. Forty-eight (19 percent) patients were older than 80 years and there were 172 (69 percent) males. Mean graft per patient was 1.78±0.79. The internal mammary artery (IMA) graft was used in 95 percent of the patients. For eight (3.17 percent) patients this was the second procedure. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 3.17 percent; Mean EuroSCORE in these patients was 10.36±6.67. No neurological complications occurred, six (2.38 percent) patients had temporary psycho syndrome. Postoperative myocardial infarction occurred in three (1.19 percent) patients. Two patients required rethoracotomy as a result of bleeding. Thirty-eight (15 percent) patients needed postoperative therapy for atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: CABG with OPCAB technique has the benefit of low mortality and morbidity in terms of stroke. The advantages of this technique depends on the patient's general condition at the time of the operation, the sufficiency of pump function and coronary morphology, as well as on the surgeon's experience.

OBJETIVO: Uma das principais e devastadoras complicações da revascularização do miocárdio é o acidente cerebrovascular. Evitar a circulação extracorpórea (CEC) pode reduzir essa complicação neurológica. No passado, houve um interesse crescente na cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea. O benefício deste método de revascularização com relação ao acidente cerebrovascular e à mortalidade ainda é discutido de forma controversa. MÉTODOS: Uma análise retrospectiva dos dados coletados de 1.516 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio, de janeiro de 2004 a maio de 2006, dos quais 252 pacientes que foram operados sem circulação extracorpórea. A média de idade da população da amostra foi de 70±11 anos, variando de 27 a 88 anos. Quarenta e oito pacientes (19 por cento) tinham mais de 80 anos e 172 pacientes (69 por cento) eram homens. O número médio de transplante por paciente foi de 1,78±0,79. A artéria torácica interna (ATI) foi usada em 95 por cento dos pacientes, enquanto que para oito pacientes a ATI foi o segunda procedimento. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 3,17 por cento; o EuroScore médio nesses pacientes foi de 10,36±6,67. Não ocorreram complicações neurológicas, porém, seis pacientes (2,38 por cento) tiveram psicossíndrome temporária. Infarto do miocárdio ocorreu em três pacientes (1,19 por cento) após a cirurgia. Dois pacientes precisaram fazer uma nova toracotomia por motivo de sangramento e 38 (15 por cento) de tratamento para fibrilação atrial após a cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea apresenta o benefício da baixa mortalidade e morbidade com relação ao acidente cerebrovascular. As vantagens dessa técnica dependem da condição geral do paciente na época da cirurgia, da suficiência da função da bomba e da morfologia coronária, bem como da experiência do cirurgião.

Femoral vascular closure device: the surgical view.

This case report describes the surgical findings of a percutaneous closure device, which was used after diagnostic coronary angiography. The features of the device are described. Surgeons should be familiar with the existence of these devices to avoid complications during vascular access procedures at the level of the common femoral artery.

Single-center experience with the On-X prosthetic heart valve between 1996 and 2005.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Herein are presented long-term results for the On-X mechanical heart valve. All On-X heart valve recipients since the first implantation worldwide at the University of Bochum in September 1996 were followed retrospectively; the present authors' single-center experience over a period of almost 10 years is reported. METHODS: A total of 428 patients (255 males, 173 females; mean age 62.7 years) underwent either aortic valve replacement (AVR; n = 264) or mitral valve replacement (MVR; n = 164) using the On-X prosthesis. Preoperatively, 329 patients (76.8%) were in NYHA class III or IV. Approximately 5% of AVR and 23% of MVR patients had undergone previous cardiac surgery. Concomitant surgery was performed in 189 patients (44.2%). The mean follow up was 3.9 years, and cumulative follow up 1,625 patient-years (pt-yr); the overall follow up rate was 98.7%. RESULTS: Early mortality (< or = 30 days) was 3.7% after AVR and 14.0% after MVR, with valve-related mortality rates of 0.4% and 1.2%, respectively. At autopsy (n = 12) all implants were intact. Freedom from valve-related death at nine years was 85.0 +/- 3.9% after AVR and 87.6 +/- 3.2% after MVR. The overall survival rate was 67.9 +/- 4.3% after AVR and 52.7 +/- 8.1% after MVR. The linearized rate of thromboembolism for AVR and MVR was 1.49%/pt-yr and 1.61%/pt-yr; of thrombosis 0%/pt-yr and 0.35%/pt-yr; of hemorrhage 0.93%/pt-yr and 1.43%/pt-yr; of endocarditis 0.37%/pt-yr and 0.17%/pt-yr; of non-structural failure 0.18%/pt-yr and 1.43%/pt-yr; and of reoperation 0.28%/pt-yr and 0.53%/pt-yr. There were no cases of structural valve failure. CONCLUSION: After almost one decade of clinical experience in a single center, the On-X heart valve continues to be reliable and effective.

[Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Comparison of 270 case-matched elderly patients]. / Aortokoronare Bypass-Operationen im Off- und On-pump-Verfahren: Vergleichende Studie mit 270 älteren Patienten.

INTRODUCTION: Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: it still remains a matter of debate which method results in a lower incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality. This case-matched study evaluates the outcome of elderly patients in both groups. METHODS: All patients aged 75 and older, who underwent CABG from 1998 to 2002, were examined retrospectively. They were matched according to Euroscore and the number of diseased vessels. The Student's t-test and chi-square test were used where appropriate. RESULTS: 270 CABG patients were considered: 135 off-pump and 135 on-pump patients. Mean age was 78.4 +/- 3.1 versus 77.5 +/- 2.9 years, respectively. EuroSCORE was 7.11 +/- 2.3 in both groups; number of distal anastomoses per patient 1.7 +/- 0.74 versus 2.6 +/- 0.63 (p < 0.001), operation time 138 versus 177 minutes (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications including hospital mortality 3.0 versus 3.7%, renal failure 8.9 versus 12.1% (new onset), acute myocardial infarction 1.5 versus 4.4% and cerebral events 0 versus 1.5%, respectively. The number of transfused packed cells was 2.6 +/- 2.8 versus 4.6 +/- 5.3 (p < 0.001). Intubation time and ICU stay were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: OPCAB is not associated with a reduction of perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients aged 75 and older.