European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialIntraoperative internal mammary artery transit-time flow measurements: comparative evaluation of two surgical pedicle preparation techniques.
Myocardial revascularization is performed preferentially with internal mammary artery grafts. Pedicle preparation and pharmacologic vasodilatory treatment vary greatly. Objective measurements are difficult since peripheral and later coronary vascular resistance and possible competitive flow of the native bypassed coronary artery will influence the results significantly. Our objectives were: (1) measurement of internal mammary artery graft flow with the transit-time flow technique; (2) comparison of two surgical take-down techniques (skeletonizing vs standard pedicle preparation); (3) quantitation of transit-time flow compared to the free pedicle flow and (4) the vasodilatory effect of papaverine on internal mammary artery flow. ⋯ Intraoperative transit-time flow measurement is a reliable method for assessing internal mammary artery and coronary artery bypass flow; considering the simple technical application, the procedure may be regarded as a valuable instrument of quality control.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1996
Comparative StudyValve repair for traumatic tricuspid regurgitation.
The review of six cases of valve repair for traumatic tricuspid regurgitation in our institution and 74 in the literature in order to assess effective methods of treating this lesion. ⋯ Since post-traumatic tricuspid regurgitation is effectively correctable with reparative techniques, early operation is recommended to relieve symptoms and to prevent right ventricular dysfunction.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComplete heparin-coated (CBAS) cardiopulmonary bypass and reduced systemic heparin dose; effects on coagulation and fibrinolysis.
Heparin-coated extracorporeal circuits allow reduced amounts of systemic heparin and protamine. However, the effects on the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems when reducing systemic anticoagulation, have partly remained unknown. ⋯ Completely heparin-coated CPB can safely be performed in combination with reduced systemic heparinization. The heparin and protamine amounts could be lowered to 35% of normal doses. Indications of more thrombin generation on CPB compared to the uncoated controls were seen, but the levels remained within low ranges in both groups. There was no evidence of thromboembolic episodes or clot formation in the extracorporeal circuits.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffects of thoracic epidural analgesia on pulmonary function after coronary artery bypass surgery.
A substantial reduction in lung volumes and pulmonary function follows cardiac surgery. Pain may prevent effective breathing and coughing, and as thoracic epidural analgesia may reduce postoperative pain, we investigated the effect of epidural analgesia on pulmonary function. ⋯ Thoracic epidural analgesia yields a slight, but significant, improvement in pulmonary function, most likely due to a more profound postoperative analgesia.
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This review discusses the phenomenon of ischaemic preconditioning and its potential application to cardiac surgery. The biology of ischaemic preconditioning is explained and the more limited evidence suggesting that the human heart can be preconditioned is discussed. ⋯ Preconditioning is a powerful and reproducible method of protecting the myocardium from irreversible ischaemic injury. There is now evidence indicating that the human heart can be preconditioned. However, more trials are necessary in patients undergoing cardiac surgery before the role of preconditioning as a means of myocardial protection can be assessed.