The Annals of thoracic surgery
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As the extracardiac Fontan operation evolves, a reliable method for creating and subsequently closing communications between the systemic and pulmonary venous chambers would be useful. We describe a surgical technique for creating this "fenestration" and a complementary transcatheter technique that allows safe and reliable closure of these communications regardless of size and position.
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Left ventricular thrombus is a complication of myocardial infarction, ventricular aneurysm, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis. Left ventriculotomy has been the standard approach for removal of left ventricular thrombus. ⋯ We describe a case of left ventricular thrombus with systemic embolization in a patient with myocarditis. Video-assisted cardioscopy allowed visualization and removal of the thrombus via an aortotomy, thereby avoiding a left ventriculotomy.
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This study sought to determine whether extensive arterial grafting reduces the prevalence and consequences of infarct after coronary artery bypass grafting. ⋯ Arterial conduits, particularly to the left anterior descending coronary artery, should be used for coronary artery bypass grafting to reduce early and late myocardial infarction and its consequences. However, use of more than a single arterial graft appears to confer no additional benefit.
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The surgical treatment of mitral regurgitation associated with Marfan's syndrome remains controversial because of the underlying degenerative process. ⋯ Mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation in patients with Marfan's syndrome can be performed safely in almost all instances. This technique provided stable midterm results comparable with those obtained for other degenerative mitral valve diseases.
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Comparative Study
Intraoperative MIDCABG arteriography via the left radial artery: a comparison with Doppler ultrasound for assessment of graft patency.
Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting involving beating heart left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending coronary artery anastomoses are performed with increasing frequency. Controversy exists regarding the need for intraoperative assessment of graft patency. ⋯ Intraoperative arteriography of the left internal mammary artery can be performed by the surgeon, and a significant number of anastomotic problems may be identified and corrected by using this technique. Therefore, a 100% early graft patency rate may be attainable.