European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialTriflusal versus oral anticoagulation for primary prevention of thromboembolism after bioprosthetic valve replacement (trac): prospective, randomized, co-operative trial.
Antiplatelet agents are used for prevention of thromboembolism in surgical patients and in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Up to date, however, results of randomized studies comparing antiplatelet agents and oral anticoagulation have not been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of triflusal (an antiplatelet agent) versus acenocoumarol for primary prevention of thromboembolism in the early postoperative period after implantation of a bioprosthesis. ⋯ There were no significant differences in efficacy between both groups, however, triflusal showed a significantly lower incidence of bleeding episodes.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2005
Comparative StudyHas the in situ right internal thoracic artery been overlooked? An angiographic study of the radial artery, internal thoracic arteries and saphenous vein graft patencies in symptomatic patients.
The right internal thoracic artery is being used infrequently despite favorable observational angiographic data. Conversely, the radial artery utilization has increased with only limited data available. The purpose of this paper is to re-evaluate the roles of the right internal thoracic artery and the radial artery grafts. ⋯ Consideration should be given to the routine use of both internal thoracic arteries for coronary artery bypass grafting. When additional grafts are required, there is no evidence to suggest that either the radial artery or saphenous vein is superior.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2005
Comparative StudyHealth related quality of life after percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation. 12-month follow up.
The efficacy of percutaneous and surgical revascularization in acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation is similar. Therefore, other factors, like health-related quality of life, should play an important role in choosing the revascularization method. ⋯ This study has shown that there is a significant difference in health-related quality of life 12-months after percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This difference arises from better physical function (physical component summary) for coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients compared with percutaneous coronary intervention patients. Despite impairment of the physical health status (physical component summary), the mental health status (mental component summary) remained similar in both groups.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2005
A normogram to anticipate dimension of neo-sinuses of valsalva in valve-sparing aortic operations.
The aim of the present study was to define a method to pre-determine the correct size of neo-sinuses of Valsalva in the reimplantation type of valve-sparing aortic operation. ⋯ We proposed a simplified approach for sizing of the neo-aortic root in the reimplantation type of valve-sparing aortic operation focussed on the size of sinuses of Valsalva. Our normogram showed to be reliable in anticipating beyond leaflets area. It can be helpful in avoiding the selection of an undersized or excessively oversized graft.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2005
Risk stratification with cardiac troponin I in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery.
Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a highly sensitive and specific marker for postoperative prediction of patients outcome after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Whether preoperatively elevated cTnI levels similarly predict the outcome in patients scheduled for elective CABG is currently unknown. ⋯ Risk stratification by measurement of cTnI levels within 24h before elective CABG clearly identifies a subgroup of patients with increased risk for postoperative adverse outcome and in-hospital mortality.