Journal of cardiac surgery
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This study reviews the results of an initial experience with minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery using the Port-Access approach in terms of early outcome and safety. ⋯ These results demonstrate that Port-Access coronary artery bypass grafting using endovascular techniques for cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and mortality. This technique allows multivessel revascularization on a protected, arrested heart with excellent anastomotic precision and reproducible early graft patency. Expanded use of Port-Access techniques is indicated in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and the technique should be considered for patients with left anterior descending artery restenosis and patients with complex left anterior descending artery lesions where angioplasty results are suboptimal.
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The duration of safe circulatory arrest for replacement of the ascending aorta for a type A dissection, without additional cerebral perfusion measures, is not clearly defined. If prolonged periods (> 60 minutes) are anticipated, retrograde cerebral perfusion or selective antegrade carotid perfusion may be required. The latter requires separate cannulas with subsequent snaring of the cerebral vessels, which may be time consuming and cumbersome. ⋯ The origin of the innominate artery is then occluded establishing selective antegrade right carotid artery perfusion. The distal ascending or aortic arch anastomosis is then performed while the remainder of the body is under selective systemic circulatory arrest. The proximal aortic anastomosis is performed after the graft is clamped proximally and flows return to appropriate perfusion levels.
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Most patient concerns and demands for less invasive surgery are focused on comfort, cosmesis, and rehabilitation that are all related to the degree of invasiveness. The degree of invasiveness of cardiac surgery depends on two factors: the surgical approach--the length of the skin incision, the degree of retraction and aggression to the tissue, and the loss of blood--and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is undergoing an explosive evolution, and although the indications and best strategies for the different categories are yet to be determined, the trend cannot be stopped. We try to distinguish between "fashionable" strategies and those that are truly revolutionary and investments in the future.
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In Ebstein's anomaly, the septal and posterior tricuspid leaflets are plastered to the endocardium. We postulated that tricuspid valve function could be corrected by restoring mobility of these leaflets. (Feasibility of such repair was explored by anatomical and clinical studies.) ⋯ Repair of the septal and posterior tricuspid leaflets was found to be feasible and effective as tricuspid valvuloplasty for Ebstein's anomaly.
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Comparative Study
Aortic pulmonary autograft implant: medium-term follow-up with a note on a new right ventricular pulmonary artery conduit.
The Ross operation has been applied to various aortic valve pathologies, particularly when somatic growth is an issue. However, associated cardiac disease and technical problems may limit its use with regard to associated procedures and issues of right ventricular outflow reconstruction. ⋯ The pulmonary autograft in the aortic position is suitable for aortic valve replacement in pediatric and adult patients with good medium-term results and in patients with rheumatic etiology, and it provides a desirable solution in the presence of associated pathologies, such as left ventricular tract obstruction or associated multivalvular disease. The development of new means of right ventricular outflow reconstruction must parallel the progress achieved for the left side.