Internal compression therapy, a novel method in the treatment of deep venous insufficiency: 18-month clinical results.

OBJECTIVE: To present 18-month clinical results for internal compression therapy (ICT) applied percutaneously and as a novel method in the treatment of primary deep venous insufficiency. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty patients diagnosed with isolated primary femoral vein (FV) insufficiency between October 2017 and February 2018 were included in the study. Pre-procedural femoral vein diameters and reflux durations were measured. CEAP classification and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) were recorded. Pre-procedural CEAP classifications were CEAP 4 in nine patients and CEAP 3 in 21. Quality of life assessments were carried out using a Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-2). FV diameters were then reduced, and valve coaptation was established with the percutaneous application of hyaluronic acid and cyanoacrylate injected adjacent to a valve with non coapting leaflets. Venous diameters and reflux duration were again measured immediately after the procedure. Patients were followed-up at months 1, 6, and 18, at which times all parameters were re-evaluated. RESULTS: Eighteen of the 30 patients were women, and 12 were men. The mean duration of the procedure was 22.7 ± 2.9 (20-30) min. Patients' FV diameters were 12.8 (11-14.7) mm before the procedure, 9.9 (9-11.5) mm immediately after, and also 9.9 (9-11.2) mm after 1.5 years (p < 0.001). Pre-procedural reflux duration ranged between 2 and 6 (median: 3) sec, and no reflux was observed in any patient immediately or one month after the procedure (p < 0.001). At 18-month follow-up, reflux lasting only 1 sec was determined in two patients. VCSS scores were 11 (10-12) pre-procedurally and 6 (4-9) at 18 months (p < 0.001). Venous Quality of Life scores were 32 (30-36) before the procedure and 18 (14-24) at 18 months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preliminary investigation of the injection of cyanoacrylate and hyaluronic acid around one valve in an incompetent FV can result in improved hemodynamics, CEAP, VCSS and patient QOL at 18 months, without complications.

A New Method Involving Percutaneous Application in the Treatment of Deep Venous Insufficiency: An Experimental Study With Internal Compression Therapy in a Porcine Model.

INTRODUCTION: To study the efficiency of internal compression therapy (ICT), a new and promising method of treatment for deep venous insufficiency, how that efficiency is achieved, and its potential side-effects, in a porcine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The femoral vein diameters of 4 pigs were first measured. ICT was then applied such as to reduce the diameter of these veins by 50%. The femoral vein diameters of 2 pigs were re-measured after 1 month. The femoral vein and its surrounding tissue were excised for immunohistopathological and genetic examination. The same procedures were applied to the remaining 2 pigs 3 months subsequently. Collagen I and IV immunohistochemical staining and Masson's trichrome and Alcian blue histochemical staining were applied during immunohistopathological examination. Collagen I, III, and IV and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA expressions were examined for genetic examination. RESULTS: The femoral vein diameters decreased by approximately 50% after ICT application. This decrease persisted after the first and third months. Histopathological examination revealed loose connective tissue around the venous tissue after the operation, particularly in the third month, together with perivascular fibrosis and increased collagen in connective tissue. No difference was observed between regions with and without ICT application in terms of mucinous degeneration, an indicator of tissue injury, during Alcian blue staining. Genetic examination revealed an increase in collagen I and IV and CTGF mRNA expression in perivascular tissue resulting from ICT application. CONCLUSION: ICT is effective both in terms of creating a durable tissue around the vein and of increasing collagen tissue and stimulating fibrosis, and has no deleterious side-effects on tissue.

Effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on the occurrence of post-operative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of a high-dose vitamin D administered preoperatively on the post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurrence in patients with insufficient or deficient serum vitamin D levels who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS: The study was a randomized controlled, blinded and parallel-arm trial conducted on 116 who had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency during the pre-operative evaluation were included in the study conducted between January 2018 and January 2019. Patients were divided into those who received oral vitamin D (treatment group; n = 58) and those who did not (control group; n = 58) 48 h before CABG surgery. In the treatment group, patients with vitamin D deficiency were administered 300.000 IU vitamin D orally and those with vitamin D insufficiency 150.000 IU 48 h preoperatively. Patients were followed up during hospitalisation process with respect to POAF. RESULTS: Both groups showed no significant differences with regard to age, gender, body mass index, creatine level, left atrial diameter, pre-operative drug use, calcium level, ejection fraction, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The ratio of POAF occurrence found in the treatment and control groups were 12.07% and 27.59%, respectively. Vitamin D treatment was found to reduce the risk of POAF development by 0.24 times (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: In this study with sufficient sample size, preoperative short-term high-dose vitamin D supplementation was found to be significantly preventive to the occurrence of POAF in patients with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency who underwent CABG surgery.

A Randomised Clinical Trial Comparing N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate, Radiofrequency Ablation and Endovenous Laser Ablation for the Treatment of Superficial Venous Incompetence: Two Year Follow up Results.

OBJECTIVE: To compare early and two year results for N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in the treatment of varicose veins. METHODS: This was a randomised clinical trial. Five hundred and twenty five patients were blindly randomised into NBCA, RFA, and EVLT groups (175 patients to each group; block randomisation using sealed envelopes). Four hundred and fifty six patients were monitored for 2 years (ultrasound at 2 days, and 6, 12, and 24 months). The primary endpoint was the saphenous vein occlusion rates, and the secondary endpoints were peri- and post-procedural pain, complications, and time to return to work. No simultaneous phlebectomies were performed. RESULTS: The numbers of patients lost to follow up were NBCA seven, RFA 26, and EVLA 36. Occlusion rates were similar at 6, 12, and 24 months (6 months [NBCA 98.1%, RFA 94.1%, and EVLA 95.1%, p = .14], 1 year [NBCA 94.7%, RFA 92.5%, and EVLA 94.2%, p = .72], 2 years [NBCA 92.6%, RFA 90.9%, and EVLA 91.5%, p = .89]). Peri-procedural pain was significantly lower after NBCA (p < .001), but complication rates (DVT, bleeding, and phlebitis) were similar. Time to return to work was shortest after NBCA (NBCA 1.04 days, RFA 1.56 days and EVLA 1.31 days (p < .001) with 95% (NBCA), 50% (RFA) and 75% (EVLA) of patients returning to work on Day 1. Pre-procedural venous clinical severity scores (VCSSs) were the same in all groups. A decrease was observed in VCSS values in all groups at 6 months, and this persisted at 1 and 2 years. However, VCSS scores at 6 months and 2 years were significantly lower in the NBCA group (p < .001). Foam sclerotherapy was subsequently applied to varicose tributaries in 18 patients from all groups. CONCLUSION: No differences were observed in occlusion rates between the three modalities, but NBCA appeared superior with respect to peri-procedural pain, return to work and decreased VCSS.

Comparison of Endovenous Laser and Radiofrequency Ablation in Treating Varices in the Same Patient.

Introduction: To compare endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in different legs in the same individual in patients with venous insufficiency. Methods: Sixty patients with bilateral saphenous vein insufficiency were included. EVLA or RFA was applied to one of the patient's legs and RFA or EVLA to the other leg. Results: EVLA and RFA complications were hyperemia at 20.7% and 31.0%, ecchymosis at 31.0% and 51.7% and edema at 27.6% and 65.5%, respectively. The rate of recanalization was 6.8% in the RFA group. No recanalization was observed in EVLA group. The level of patients satisfied with EVLA was 51.7%, compared to 31.0% for RFA, while 17.2% of patients were satisfied with both procedures. Times to return to daily activity were 0.9 days in the EVLA group and 1.3 days in the RFA group. Conclusion: EVLA procedure may be superior to RFA in certain respects.

A Rare Clinical Case: Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm and Its Successful Endovascular Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The true giant splenic artery aneurysms are extremely rare and can be fatal. Although surgical approach has been the standard of care in the past, endovascular methods gained more importance in recent years. BACKGROUND: We describe a case with true giant splenic artery aneurysm, treated with endovascular approach. METHODS: A 68-year-old female patient with abdominal pain admitted to our clinic had true splenic artery aneurysm (14 × 10 × 9 cm). We decided on endovascular treatment using vascular plug and the treatment was performed successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Due to high mortality and morbidity in open surgery, endovascular treatment of giant splenic artery aneurysm is a better treatment option.

Mid-term results in the treatment of varicose veins with N-butyl cyanoacrylate.

Aim To present mid-term results of patients with varicose veins treated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (VariClose®), a nontumescent endovenous ablation technique. Patients and method Endovenous ablation was performed on 180 patients with saphenous vein incompetence between May and October 2014. One hundred sixty-eight subjects capable of being followed-up for 30 months were included. Patients' pre- and postoperative data were recorded. Results Procedures were performed on the great saphenous vein in 159 patients and on the small saphenous vein in nine patients. Saphenous vein diameters ranged between 5.5 mm and 14 mm. Full ablation was achieved in all patients following the procedure. No complications were encountered. Patients were monitored for 30 months. Ablation rates were 100% at the 3rd month, 98.3% at the 6th month, 96.6% at 1 year, and 94.1% at 30 months. Mean venous clinical severity score was 10.2 before procedures, decreasing to 3.9 at 3 months, 4.2 at 6 months, 2.9 at 12 months, and 2.7 at 30 months ( p = 0.000). Conclusion Due to its high success rate, absence of complications, no tumescent anesthesia requirement and high patient satisfaction, endovenous ablation with N-butyl cyanoacrylate is a good method. However, long-term follow-up results are now needed.

A new non-tumescent endovenous ablation method for varicose vein treatment: Early results of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (VariClose®).

Objective This report aims to present the early results of a retrospective study of the use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (VariClose®)-based non-tumescent endovenous ablation for the treatment of patients with varicose veins. Method One hundred and eighty patients with varicose veins due to incompetent saphenous veins were treated with the VariClose® endovenous ablation method between May 2014 and November 2014. The patient sample consisted of 86 men and 94 women, with a mean age of 47.7 ± 11.7 years. The patients had a great saphenous vein diameter greater than 5.5 mm and a small saphenous vein diameter greater than 4 mm in conjunction with reflux for more than 0.5 s. Patients with varicose veins were evaluated with venous duplex examination, Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical and Pathophysiological classification (CEAP), and their Venous Clinical Severity Scores were recorded. Results The median CEAP score of patients was three, and the saphenous vein diameters were between 5.5 and 14 mm (mean of 7.7 ± 2.1 mm). A percutaneous entry was made under local anesthesia to the great saphenous vein in 169 patients and to the small saphenous vein in 11 patients. Duplex examination immediately after the procedure showed closure of the treated vein in 100% of the treated segment. No complications were observed. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 months (ranging from three to seven months). Recanalization was not observed in any of the patients during follow-up. The average Venous Clinical Severity Scores was 10.2 before the procedure and decreased to 3.9 after three months (p < 0.001). Conclusion The application of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (VariClose®) is an effective method for treating varicose veins; it yielded a high endovenous closure rate, with no need for tumescent anesthesia. However, long-term results are currently unknown.

Cardiac Echinococcosis: A Single-Centre Study with 25 Patients.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to analyse patients who underwent surgery for cardiac echinococcosis in our department. METHODS: Between June 2005 and June 2013, 25 patients (15 male, 10 female) underwent cardiac hydatid cyst operation. The mean patient age was 33.4±12.6 (15-75) years. RESULTS: The most common presenting symptom was dyspnoea. Cysts were located only in the heart in 16 patients, lung in 4 patients, liver in 4 patients, and brain with lung involvement in 1 patient. Concomitant cardiac and pulmonary surgery was performed in 2 patients. The cardiac hydatid cysts were intracavitary in 11 patients and extracavitary in 14 patients. We used cardiopulmonary bypass in all but 1 patient, who presented with an extracavitary cyst. In 3 patients, surgery was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass without cross-clamping of the aorta. There were no mortalities in the early follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare but fatal disease and should be surgically treated when diagnosed. There is some controversy about how echinococcosis spreads to the heart (via haematogenous spread or direct extension from adjacent structures). According to our study, we think that haematogenous spread is the main method of the distribution of cardiac echinococcosis, and the direct extension method from adjacent structures must be questioned.

Comparison of Endovenous Laser and Radiofrequency Ablation in Treating Varicose Veins in the Same Patient.

PURPOSE: To compare endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency venous ablation (RFA) in different legs in the same patients with venous insufficiency. METHODS: Sixty patients with bilateral saphenous vein insufficiency were included. Endovenous laser ablation or RFA was applied to one of the patient's legs and the remaining procedure, RFA or EVLA, to the other leg. RESULTS: Minor complications in EVLA and RFA were hyperemia at 20.7% and 31.0%, ecchymosis at 31.0% and 51.7% and edema at 27.6% and 65.5%, respectively. The rate of recanalization was 6.8% in the RFA group. No recanalization was observed in the EVLA group. The level of patients satisfied with EVLA was 51.7%, compared to 31.0% for RFA, while 17.2% of patients were satisfied with both the procedures. Times to return to daily activity were 0.9 days in the EVLA group and 1.3 days in the RFA group. CONCLUSION: The EVLA procedure may be superior to RFA in certain respects.

Which prosthesis is more resistant to vascular graft infection: polytetrafluoroethylene or Omniflow II biosynthetic grafts?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether polytetrafluoroethylene grafts or Omniflow II biosynthetic grafts are more resistant to infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: Sixty rats were divided into six groups. In Groups 1A, 1B and 1C, a polytetrafluoroethylene graft was implanted in each rat, and, in Groups 2A, 2B and 2C, a biosynthetic graft was implanted in each rat. Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated into Groups 1B, 1C, 2B and 2C, and the rats in Groups 1C and 2C were treated with teicoplanin. One week later, the rats were euthanized, the grafts were removed and a microbiological count was performed. A histopathological examination was subsequently carried out, and the C-reactive protein, prealbumin and leukocyte levels were investigated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the C-reactive protein, prealbumin and leukocyte levels. The differences in the results of the microbiological evaluations between the groups were significant. The quantitative culture results showed no bacterial growth in Groups 1A, 1C and 2A. The number of bacteria in Group 1B was statistically lower than that in Group 2B. When the groups receiving treatment were compared, Group 2C had bacterial growth, whereas Group 1C did not. The histopathological examinations showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Omniflow II grafts are more susceptible to infection than polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.

A Comparison of 1,470-nm Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Great Saphenous Veins 10 mm or More in Size.

BACKGROUND: To compare 1,470-nm endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of patients with great saphenous vein diameters of 10 mm or more. METHODS: One hundred twenty consecutive patients presenting to the cardiovascular surgery department with a great saphenous vein diameter exceeding 10 mm at the saphenofemoral junction between January and December 2013 were included in the study. The first randomly selected 60 patients (group 1) received 1,470-nm EVLA and the other 60 patients (group 2) received RFA. Patients were assessed on the second day, the first week, and the first, third, and sixth months. Major and minor complications were recorded. RESULTS: Minor complications in EVLA and RFA were hyperemia at 20% and 30% (P = 0.50), ecchymosis at 16.7% and 48.3% (P = 0.02), and edema at 40.0% and 65.5% (P < 0.08), respectively. No major complication was observed in any patient. Recanalization developed during monitoring in 3 patients in the RFA group, a rate of 5%. No recanalization was observed in the EVLA group. Success rates in the EVLA and RFA groups were 100% and 95%, respectively. Mean time to return to daily activity was 0.7 days in the EVLA group and 1.4 days in the RFA group (P < 0.006), whereas mean time to return to work was 1.8 days in the EVLA group and 2.2 days in the RFA group (P < 0.07). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of pain during the procedure or postoperatively. Less pain was reported in the EVLA during both (P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: EVLA using a 1,470-nm radial fiber is superior to RFA in the treatment of saphenous veins larger than 10 mm in diameter.

Efficacy of linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin in prevention of an experimental polytetrafluoroethylene graft infection model caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin in prevention of prosthetic vascular graft infections in a vascular graft infection model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups. A polytetrafluoroethylene graft was implanted on the back of each rat. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain was inoculated into all rats except Group 1. Group 2 was not given any treatment, Group 3 received linezolid, Group 4 received vancomycin, and Group 5 received teicoplanin. The grafts were removed for microbiological and histological examinations on the 7th day. In addition, C-reactive protein and prealbumin levels and leukocyte counts in obtained blood specimens were determined. RESULTS: Group 1 did not have infection. Group 2 had bacteria 5.7 × 10(4) CFU/cm(2). Group 3 and Group 4 had less bacterial growth. Group 5 had no bacterial growth. The number of bacteria was significantly higher in Group 2 than in the other experimental groups and the control group (p<0.001). Although there was no bacterial growth in Group 5, it did not significantly differ from Group 3 and Group 4. Group 2 had a significantly higher CRP level and leukocyte count and a significantly lower prealbumin level than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin are effective in prevention of prosthetic vascular graft infections.

Short-term and mid-term results with the Sorin Freedom Solo aortic valve.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to present the short- and mid-term results for patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Sorin Freedom Solo third-generation stentless prosthetic valve. METHODS: AVR with a Sorin Freedom Solo valve was performed in 14 patients between March 2006 and March 2011. Patients aged > or = 60 years (male:female ratio 6:8; mean age 73.28 +/- 5.42 years) who required AVR with the Sorin Freedom Solo valve according to the surgeon's choice were included in the study. The valvular prosthesis was implanted in the supra-annular position, using a single suture line. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent an isolated AVR; combined interventions were carried out in the other patients due to concomitant cardiac disease. One patient died during the immediate perioperative period, and two more during the follow up, from non-cardiac causes. The mean maximum transvalvular gradient of patients with aortic stenosis was 88.1 +/- 20.2 mmHg, and this fell to 26.4 +/- 7.6 mmHg during the early postoperative period. The mean gradient at one year of follow up was further decreased to 19.4 +/- 5.3 mmHg. The left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters were also significantly reduced, from 4.8 +/- 0.9 to 4.3 +/- 0.6 cm and from 3.2 +/- 0.6 to 2.8 +/- 5.3 cm, respectively. The average left ventricular ejection fraction was 60.2 +/- 4.9% preoperatively, and 63.2 +/- 2.1% at one year after surgery (p = NS). No paravalvular leakage, endocarditis, prosthesis failure or neurologic events were reported among patients. CONCLUSION: The Sorin Freedom Solo stentless valve has provided good early and intermediate-term results. Implantation of the prosthesis is straightforward, with low rates of morbidity and mortality. However, these data require further support from larger patient series and long-term follow up.

Clinical and subclinical varicocele incidence in patients with primary varicose veins requiring surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of clinical and subclinical varicocele in patients with primary varicose veins requiring surgery. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with primary varicose veins requiring surgery were evaluated. Clinical varicocele was found in each patient through physical examination. Each patient was also evaluated with ultrasound because of evidence of subclinical varicocele. RESULTS: Among the patients with varicose veins, 28 had no clinical sign of varicocele, whereas the remaining 72 had varicocele with different clinical levels (72%). Doppler ultrasound revealed that 32 patients had no reflux flow, whereas the other 68 had different grades of reflux flow (68%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical or subclinical varicocele may be highly present in patients with severe venous disease. However, these types of varicoceles do not cause infertility in most patients. Nevertheless, infertility may occur in subsequent years, especially in young patients who have venous disease and undergo surgery, and they should be aware of this condition.

Lateral cavoatriotomy for partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava.

PURPOSE: Surgical correction of the partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) draining into the superior vena cava (SVC) has been associated with sinus node dysfunction and venous return obstruction, postoperatively. We present the results of our lateral cavoatriotomy approach with little modifications to avoid injury to the sinus node and its artery. METHODS: 32 patients who underwent surgical repair of PAPVC to SVC with modified lateral cavoatriotomy in our clinic between January 2003 and January 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Median age was 6 years (2-32 years). The mean follow-up time was 65.8 ± 23.7 months (36-111 months). There were no early or late deaths. No patients required reoperation. New onset of arrhythmia had developed in two patients and resolved before hospital discharge. Stenosis of the SVC in one patient had developed 11 months after the operation and was treated with balloon angioplasty, successfully. No sinus node dysfunction or venous return obstruction was detected in their last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Cavoatrial incision for repair of PAPVC to SVC may become a safer surgical technique with some modifications.

Urgent surgical management for embolized occluder devices in childhood: single center experience.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we sought to analyze our experience in urgent surgical management for embolized cardiac septal and ductal occluder devices resulting from trans-catheter closure of atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus in childhood patient group. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 9 patients (aged 2-15 years) who underwent urgent surgery due to cardiac septal and ductal occluder embolization between January 2007 and December 2010. Congenital defects were atrial septal defect (n = 6), ventricular septal defect (n = 1), and patent ductus arteriosus (n = 2). Risk factors for device embolization and urgent surgical management techniques for embolized device removal were discussed. RESULTS: Removal of embolized devices in all cases and repair of damaged tricuspid valve in 2 patients were performed. Inevitably, all congenital defects were closed or ligated up to the primary defect. Total circulator arrest necessitated in 1 patient with ascending aortic device embolization. All operations were completed successfully and no hospital mortality or morbidity was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Although closure of left to right shunting defects by percutaneous occluder devices has a lot of advantages, device embolization is still a major complication. If embolized device retrieval fails with percutaneous intervention attempts, surgical management is the only method to remove embolized devices. In this circumstance, to provide an uneventful perioperative course, urgent management strategies should be well planned.

Treatment outcomes of postoperative mediastinitis in cardiac surgery; negative pressure wound therapy versus conventional treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to compare negative pressure wound therapy versus conventional treatment outcomes at postoperative mediastinitis after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2011, after 9972 sternotomies, postoperative mediastinitis was diagnosed in 90 patients. The treatment modalities divided the patients into two groups: group 1 patients (n = 47) were initially treated with the negative pressure wound therapy and group 2 patients (n = 43) were underwent conventional treatment protocols. The outcomes were investigated with Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, Student's test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The 90-days mortality was found significantly lower in the negative pressure wound group than in the conventionally treated group. Overall survival was significantly better in the negative pressure wound group than in the conventionally treated group. CONCLUSION: Negative pressure wound therapy is safe and reliable option in mediastinitis after cardiac surgery, with excellent survival and low failure rate when compared with conventional treatments.

Pericardial monocusp reconstruction for pulmonary valve vegetation secondary to patent ductus arteriosus.

A case of pulmonary valve endocarditis in a patient with a ductus arteriosus (PDA) is reported. The PDA was ligated, the septal leaflet of the pulmonary valve was excised, and a pericardial monocusp reconstruction was performed.

Effect of atorvastatin and ezetimibe treatment on serum lipid profile and oxidative state in rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of ezetimibe and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile and oxidant-antioxidant system were investigated in rats. METHODS: Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 6 groups. Group 1 was fed with standard rat chow. Group 2 and the other 4 groups were fed with a high-cholesterol diet: 10 mg/kg/d atorvastatin to group 3; 1 mg/kg/d atorvastatin to group 4; 10 mg/kg/d atorvastatin and 1 mg/kg/d ezetimibe to group 5; and 1 mg/kg/d ezetimibe to group 6. After 3 months, serum total, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and the activities of malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were measured in the plasma. In addition, the left anterior descending and femoral arteries were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Serum total, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels decreased slightly in group 3. However, administration of 1 mg/kg/d atorvastatin or 1 mg/kg/d ezetimibe did not significantly change lipid parameters. Plasma malondialdehyde levels slightly increased in group 2 compared with controls and decreased compared with both the atorvastatin regimens. However, malondialdehyde levels increased with the addition of ezetimibe to atorvastatin. Only the administration of ezetimibe significantly elevated the levels of malondialdehyde. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were also found to be significantly reduced in the groups receiving ezetimibe when compared with atorvastatin groups. CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin has a beneficial effect on oxidative stress in rats fed with high-cholesterol diet. A combination of ezetimibe with atorvastatin diminishes the beneficial effects of atorvastatin. Conversely, the sole administration of ezetimibe increases oxidative stress.