Long-term results of coronary surgery with endoscopic vein harvesting.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate early and longterm outcomes of both isolated or concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting with the endoscopic vein harvesting technique. METHODS: Between November 2012 and May 2017, a total of 324 patients (259 males, 65 females; mean age: 63.2±9.8 years; range, 36 to 91 years) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, with or without concomitant procedures, using the endoscopic vein harvesting technique were retrospectively analyzed. Early postoperative outcomes and long-term follow-up data of the patients, such as cardiovascular or cerebral events, cardiac reinterventions, and the images of coronary angiography were recorded. RESULTS: Median logistic EuroSCORE and in hospital mortality was 3.99 (0.8-81) vs. 0 .9% f or i solated c oronary surgery and 13.34 (1.5-76.4) vs. 1.5% for concomitant procedures. The long-term data could be obtained in 288 patients with a median of 59.6 (7-90) months of follow-up. During this period, 22 (7.6%) patients underwent coronary angiography for control or treatment, 12 (4.2%) patients needed revascularization, and none of the patients underwent redo coronary surgery. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that the endoscopic vein harvesting technique during coronary artery bypass grafting is safe in experienced hands.

Mirror Image Gerbode or Partial Atrioventricular Canal Defect?

Gebode defect, that can accurately be treated surgical repair, is defined as a true communication between left ventricle and right atrium. A 74-year-old woman with a worsening history of ortophnea and peripheral edema was hospitalised. A communication between right atrium and left ventricle was diagnosed using transeusophageal echocardiography. The defect was repaired and mitral valve was replaced with a biologic valve. It would be beter to tailor surgical strategy for each case with atrioventricular canal defect after preoperative transeusophageal echocardiography and peroperative direct sight.

Efficacy of near-infrared spectrometry for monitoring the cerebral effects of severe dilutional anemia.

INTRODUCTION: Clear guidelines for red cell transfusion during cardiac surgery have not yet been established. The current focus on blood conservation during cardiac surgery has increased the urgency to determine the minimum safe hematocrit for these patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether monitoring of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) via near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) is effective for assessing the cerebral effects of severe dilutional anemia during elective coronary arterial bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: The prospective observational study involved patients who underwent cerebral rSO2 monitoring by NIRS during elective isolated first-time CABG: an anemic group (N=15) (minimum Hemoglobin (Hb) <7 g/dL at any period during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and a control group (N=15) (Hb >8 g/dL during CPB). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), pump blood flow, blood lactate level, pCO2, pO2 at five time points and cross-clamp time, extracorporeal circulation time were recorded for each patient. Group results statistically were compared. RESULTS: The anemic group had significantly lower mean preoperative Hb than the control group (10.3 mg/dL versus 14.2 mg/dL; P = .001). The lowest Hb levels were observed in the hypothermic period of CPB in the anemic group. None of the controls exhibited a >20% decrease in cerebral rSO2. Eleven (73.3%) of the anemic patients required an increase in pump blood flow to raise their cerebral rSO2. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the changes in cerebral rSO2 in the patients with low Hb were within acceptable limits, and this was in concordance with the blood lactate levels and blood-gas analysis. It can be suggested that NIRS monitoring of cerebral rSO2 can assist in decision making related to blood transfusion and dilutional anemia during CPB.

Leyla loop: a time-saving suture technique for robotic atrial closure.

The longer durations of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times remain the disadvantages of robotic or minimally invasive cardiac surgery. For this reason, every small contribution to speeding up these procedures is of the utmost importance. Here, we present a practical, easy and time-saving suture technique for atrial closure. It consists of a hand-made loop at one end of the suture and saves the time otherwise consumed by knotting. It may also be used during conventional or minimally invasive cardiac surgery.