Investigation of Blood Compatibility and Determination of Clinical Performance of PMEA Coated and Flow Optimized Oxygenator

In this study, the blood compatibility of the tip-to-tip coated and flow-optimized extracorporeal circuits were investigated using poly(2-methoxyethylacrylate) PMEA-coated oxygenators and tubing sets. Total protein, human serum albumin, fibrinogen, erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelets loss quantities were analyzed on blood samples withdrawn five different times during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) such as: baseline (T1), during CPB (T2), end of CPB (T3), after protamine injection (T4) and intensive care (T5), no fibrinogen loss was observed for the tip-to-tip coated system. After an operation, protein desorption assays from fiber surfaces of the tip-to-tip coated and flow-optimized extracorporeal circuits showed very little desorption. Less protein desorption was found between sonicated fibers and fiber sample solutions at <0.2mg/dL and 0.58mg/dL, respectively. For tip-to-tip coated and flow-optimized extracorporeal system, no platelet aggregation and no erythrocyte, leukocyte losses were observed. Optimized flow path and eliminated straight turns due to integration of exchangers minimized turbulent flows. Larger surface areas of the fibers optimized blood flow speed and improved gentle flow conditions and lowered shear stress. Clinically, no excessive postoperative bleeding was observed by the patients with the tip-to-tip coated system after 24 hours (hemorrhage was 387mL). The average unit of red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma transfusions were 0.98 and 2.10 units, respectively. Differences in adsorbed HSA on the hollow fiber surfaces were examined by STM which indicated that less protein existed on the sample solution of the non-sonicated fiber surfaces.

Concomitance of varicoceles and chronic venous insufficiency in young males

Introduction: The aim of this article was to evaluate the concomitance of symptomatic varicose veins and varicoceles in a young male patient group.

Method: The study was conducted as a prospective, multicentre study in the cardiovascular outpatient clinics of two major military hospitals. The data of 1500 young male patients with symptomatic venous insufficiency were recorded regarding symptomatic varicoceles.

Results: The median age of the patients was 21.2 ± 1.3 years. Symptomatic varicocele was a concomitant finding in 46.0% of the patients. In patients with chronic venous insufficiency, higher body mass index, high levels of smoking, standing occupation, positive family history, longer duration of symptoms and constipation were found as potential factors for concomitant varicocele in both univariate and multivariate analysis. A statistically significant, moderately positive correlation was found between grades of venous reflux in saphenofemoral junction and varicocele (Spearman's rho correlation r = 0.637, P <0.001).

Conclusion: With the observation that varicoceles may be concomitant in nearly half of patients with venous insufficiency, it is thought that just a simple question in history taking may help these patients to be diagnosed and get treated for this potential cause of infertility.

Effects of taurine on contractions of human internal mammary artery: a potassium channel opening action

OBJECTIVE

Taurine is an abundant amino acid that is widely distributed in human and animal tissues. Pharmacodynamic studies show that taurine has hypotensive and myocardial protective effects. Studies in isolated tissue baths show that taurine relaxes precontracted arteries. This study aimed to show the effects of taurine on human internal mammary artery (IMA) in vitro and to explain the mechanisms of its effects.

METHODS

The response in the IMA was recorded isometrically by a force displacement transducer in isolated organ baths. Taurine (20, 40, 80 mM) was added to organ baths after precontraction with KCl (45 mM) or serotonin (5-HT, 30 µM). Taurine-induced relaxations were also tested in the presence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 µM), the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (100 µM), the large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM), the ATP-sensitive K+ channel inhibitor glibenclamide (GLI, 10 µM), the voltage-sensitive K+ channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 1 mM) and the inward rectifier K+ channel inhibitor barium chloride (BaCl2, 30 µM).

RESULTS

Taurine did not affect the resting tone of IMA. However, it produced relaxation in the 5-HT and KCl -precontracted preparations. The relaxation to IMA was not affected by GLI, 4-AP, BaCl2, indomethacin and L-NAME. But, TEA inhibited taurine -induced relaxations significantly (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The preincubation of IMA with taurine antagonized KCl and 5-HT induced contractions in a concentration dependent manner, while it did not affect the resting tone. The relaxations to taurine were significantly antagonized by pretreatment with TEA. These results suggest that mechanism of vasodilator effect of taurine in IMA may be the activation of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

Local sympathetic stimulation not only have local effects in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon

OBJECTIVE

Many other organs and system can be affected in the course of Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP). Simultaneously increased vasospasm in the pulmonary vascular bed may likely affect the pulmonary function. Therefore, we investigated the effect of Raynaud's phenomenon on the respiratory functions in this study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between March 2014 and December 2014, 30 patients with the diagnosis of PRP more than two years and 32 age-sex matched healthy controls were enrolled into this study. Cold stimulation test (CST) was performed. Pulmonary function test were performed following 30 minutes after CST and spirometric measurements were calculated.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between two groups regarding their demographic and clinical data. Mean duration of symptoms from onset to present was 3.01 ± 1.05 years. Patients with Primary RP had significantly lower FVC and higher FEV1/FVC values compared to the control groups (p = 0.015 and p=0.045, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that statistically significant decrease of FVC values in patients with Primary RP compared to the healthy controls could be a impaired innervation of pulmonary system and a predictor of pulmonary vasospasm and/or pulmonary Raynaud's phenomenon, which may develop in future periods.

Can cardiac surgery be performed safely on patients with haematological malignancies

Introduction

Surgical strategy in patients with haematological malignancies must be planned and carried out with the specific aim of decreasing postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to present our experience on patients previously diagnosed with haematological malignancies who subsequently underwent cardiac surgery. We include data to assist other surgeons predict factors affecting postoperative morbidity and mortality in this group of patients.

Methods

Fifteen patients diagnosed with haematological malignancies who had cardiac surgery were retrospectively analysed. Eight patients had chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, six had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the rest had chronic myelocytic leukaemia. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed on all of them.

Results

There were no hospital mortalities. The average follow-up period was 35 ± 11 (23–56) months. Three patients required early postoperative re-operation because of excessive bleeding. No mortalities were seen in the early postoperative period. There were five (33%) deaths during the late follow-up period. Three patients were lost due to intracranial bleeding (confirmed by autopsy) in the 16th, 23rd and 38th months after surgery. The remaining two patients had sudden death in the eighth and 55th months from non-detectable causes.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Cardiac surgery can be performed with acceptable early postoperative outcomes in patients with haematological malignancies. Intracranial bleeding is an important factor contributing to late mortality and patient selection and risk stratification are crucial to improving surgical benefits.

Impact of the intensity of microemboli on neurocognitive outcome following cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine whether there was any association between the intensity of intraoperative gaseous microembolic signals (GME), neuropsychological testing and clinical outcome in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery surgery (CABG).

METHODS

Over a 6-month period, GME activity was monitored in 102 Euroscore 6+ patients during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with a conventional 32-micron arterial filter by non-invasive, real-time ultrasonic device. Cognitive tests; line bisection, the Stroop test, finger tapping, and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test were performed at baseline, postoperative one week and postoperative one month.

RESULTS

The distribution of GME activity showed that there were three groups of patients: >500 total emboli (n = 38); 250 to 500 emboli (n = 30) and <250 emboli (n = 34) at a detection level of 2% of the circuit diameter on the arterial side. Line bisection, the Stroop test and finger tapping were impaired significantly in >500 emboli patients versus control (<250 emboli) in postoperative week one, but resolved in one month.

CONCLUSIONS

Correlation between intraoperative GME intensity and neurocognitive tests suggests that the level of GME might have a role in determining the psychological outcome after CABG with CPB.

A rare complication after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: Ogilvie's syndrome

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications occur in less than 2% of patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, known as Ogilvie's syndrome, is also a rare complication encountered in 0.046% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. It is characterised by massive colonic dilatation without mechanical obstruction in patients with underlying medical or surgical conditions. In this report we describe a patient who suffered from acute renal failure requiring haemodialysis, and subsequently Ogilvie's syndrome, which was treated with high-dose neostigmine.

Importance of urinary measurement of glutathione S-transferase in renal dysfunction patients after on- and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

Acute renal failure (ARF) occurring after on-pump and off-pump cardiac surgery was assessed by urinary alpha glutathione S-transferase measurement (alpha-GST) in patients who already had renal dysfunction.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients with plasma creatinine levels ranging between 1.5 and 2.0 mg/dL were included in the study. On-pump coronary artery bypass was performed in 25 of them, and off-pump surgery in the other 25 patients. Urinary alpha-GST levels, plasma creatinine levels, creatinine clearance and fractional excretion of sodium were measured.

RESULTS

Urinary alpha-GST levels were found to be significantly increased at 24 hours postoperatively. A weak correlation was detected between alpha-GST levels and plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance and fractional excretion of sodium. Preoperative and postoperative 24 hour levels showed a positive predictive value for the occurrence of acute renal failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Tubular damage produced by cardiopulmonary bypass is not the only factor associated with postoperative ARF. Because factors independent of pump usage can adversely affect renal function, excluding pump usage alone is not sufficient to prevent postoperative ARF in patients who have preoperative renal dysfunction.

Comparison of ultrasonically activated scalpel and traditional technique in radial artery harvesting: clinical research

BACKGROUND

Use of the radial artery (RA) as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has become increasingly popular in recent years. The aim of this study was to compare the results of two different RA harvesting techniques. Use of the harmonic scalpel is suggested to be safe and additionally reduces spasm rates.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 2000, the first 200 consecutive patients who underwent RA harvesting for CABG were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups. RA was harvested by means of electrocautery + hemoclips in Group I and by harmonic scalpel + hemoclips in Group II. 30 patients (30 %) in Group I and 25 patients (25 %) in Group II were female. Mean age was 53.9 +/- 9.3 and 53.5 +/- 8.4 years in Group I and Group II, respectively. Hand circulation and ulnar collateral flow was assured with a modified Allen test in all patients preoperatively. During the operation perfusion of the hand was monitored by oximetric plethysmography. The distal end of RA was also explored and clamped with a soft vascular clamp to evaluate the saturation values in the groups. During the clamping period, oxygen saturation values did not decrease so we harvested RAs in all patients.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with the exception of the RA harvesting times, the postoperative analgesia requirements, the rate of vasospasm and the need for hemostatic clips.

CONCLUSION

Harmonic scalpel usage in RA harvesting causes less trauma to adjacent tissues; the analgesia requirements, the rate of vasospasm, the RA harvesting time and the need of hemostatic clips decreases. We conclude that the use of a harmonic scalpel for radial artery harvesting is safer and faster than the routine technique.

Leukodepletion improves renal function in patients with renal dysfunction undergoing on-pump coronary bypass surgery: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to show the impact of leukodepletion on renal function in patients undergoing on-pump coronary revascularization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients awaiting elective on-pump coronary revascularization with normal preoperative cardiac functions and with plasma creatinine levels ranging between 1.5 and 2.0 mg/dL were prospectively randomized into two groups: on-pump CABG with (group A: n = 25) and without leukodepletion (group B, n = 25). Renal glomerular and tubular injury were assessed by urinary alpha glutathione s-transferase (GST), plasma creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels.

RESULTS

The patients consisted of 14 females and 36 males with a mean age of 57.6 +/- 5.3 years. In the leukodepletion group, the mean levels of creatinine, BUN and urinary GST were found to be decreased on the first, third and fifth postoperative days compared with the control group. There was no mortality. Three patients in the control group needed postoperative dialysis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with renal dysfunction undergoing on-pump CABG surgery seem to benefit from leukodepletion as a measure to prevent tubular damage and renal impairment compared with a control group.

Pre-emptive stellate ganglion block increases the patency of radial artery grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the role of pre-emptive stellate ganglion block (SGB) in preventing radial artery spasm and increasing radial artery graft patency in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized study, 100 patients were divided into two equal groups (n= 50). In group A, SGB was achieved using 10 ml of ropivacaine and, in group B, SGB was not performed. Radial artery blood flow was measured pre- and intra-operatively. Post-operative clinical determinants (S-T segment elevation, use of inotropic agents, incidence of atrial fibrillation) were recorded. Early coronary angiography was performed.

RESULTS

According to blood flowmeter measurements, the radial artery blood flow was significantly increased in patients with SGB. The incidence of atrial fibrillation, the need for inotropic agents and S-T segment elevation were all decreased in the SGB group. Angiographic intervention revealed that the incidence of graft spasm was also lower in the SGB group.

CONCLUSION

Pre-emptive SGB is an effective method for increasing radial artery blood flow and preventing radial artery spasm. Complications related to radial artery spasm may be decreased and patients may have a more comfortable post-operative period with this method.

Primary and secondary lymphoedema in male patients with oedema in lower limbs

Objective: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate patients with clinically diagnosed lymphoedema of the lower extremities. The proportions of primary and secondary lymphoedema, the possible aetiologic factors and the concomitance of chronic venous diseases and lymphoedema were focused on.

Method: The male patients who attended our outpatient clinic during 2000 and 2004 were evaluated. In all, 160 male patients with 5 cm circumference difference at calf level between two lower extremities or with clinically diagnosed bilateral leg oedema were enrolled. All patients underwent duplex venous ultrasonography and lymphoscintigraphy. Venography was performed in 12 patients with normal lymphoscintigraphy and ultrasonography.

Results: The age distribution was between 20 and 54 years (mean ± SD; 22.9 ± 4.3). Among 160 patients, 70.0% had lymphoedema, while 7.5% had chronic venous insufficiency, 3.75% chronic deep venous thrombosis, 7.5% concomitant venous disease and lymphatic obstruction, and 7.5% idiopathic oedema. In the last 3.75% the pathology was Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome. Of the primary lymphoedema patients (16.25%), 18 were praecox, six tarda and two were congenital types.

Conclusion: In young male patients, the causes of secondary lymphoedema are lymphadenectomy, neoplastic metastasis, cellulitis, lymphangitis, etc. Further techniques confirmed the clinical diagnosis of lymphoedema in 77.5% (sum of lymphoedema and concomitant disease) of all patients. With these findings lymphoedema can be diagnosed clinically, and further diagnostic techniques can be reserved unless treatment is effective.

Results of endocardial radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation during mitral valve surgery

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of thermocontrolled endocardial radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the patients with mitral valve disorder and associated chronic atrial fibrillation during mitral valve replacement operation.

METHODS

Between February 2002 and January 2004, 43 patients with mitral valve disease and associated chronic atrial fibrillation underwent mitral valve replacement and thermocontrolled endocardial RF ablation with Cobra RF system flexible probe at Gulhane Military Academy of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery. Eighteen of the patients (41.8%) were males, while the remaining 25 (58.2%) were females. The average age of the patients was 44+/-14.21 (18-66) years. Functional capacity of the patients was class II in 15 (34. 9%), class III in 24 (55.8%), class IV in 4 (9.3%) according to the NYHA classification. At the preoperative period all of the patients were evaluated routinely by twelve-lead ECG, chest film and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). For the patients over 40 years of age, we performed additional coronary angiography to delineate any coronary lesions. The patients were evaluated at months 1, 3, 6 and annually by twelve-lead ECG, TTE and holter monitoring after discharge.

RESULTS

There were not any complications related to the performed technique. No operative and hospital mortality were recorded. At the follow-up period for 35 of 43 patients (81.4%) sinus rhythm was restored. The mean follow-up time was 24.3+/-11.2 (12-35) months.

CONCLUSION

Endocardial RF ablation especially during mitral valve surgery is a simple technique to be performed. Early and midterm results of the cohort are satisfying.

Midterm experience with the Sorin Bicarbon heart valve prosthesis for rheumatic disease

BACKGROUND

In this study, we present a single center experience with Bicarbon bileaflet valve in 307 patients with rheumatic heart disease.

METHODS

Between August 1998 and September 2000, 307 patients underwent heart valve replacement using the Bicarbon bileaflet valve (Sorin Biomedica, Saluggia, Italy) with an average age of 47.19+/-13.21 years (range 14 to 80 years), consisting of 147 males and 160 females at Alkan Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Department. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed in 77 patients, mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 156 patients and double valve replacement (DVR) in 74 patients.

RESULTS

The early mortality rate was 3.3% (10/307) and there was no late mortality. The actuarial survival rate, including hospital mortality, was 96.74+/-1.01% for the whole group, 96.5+/-1.5% for the MVR group, 97.4+/-1.8% for the AVR group and 97.3+/-1.9% for the DVR group at 35 months. One patient had obstructive valve thrombosis with MVR. The 35 months actuarial freedom from valve thrombosis was 99.58+/-0.4% for the whole group. Four patients were reoperated and the 35 months actuarial freedom from reoperation was 98.53+/-0.7% for the whole group, 98.65+/-0.9% for the MVR group, 96.73+/-02% for the DVR group and 100% for the AVR group. No instances of perivalvular leak, hemolysis, endocarditis or embolism were observed during the entire follow-up period. Mean follow-up duration was 16.5+/-7.9 months (ranged 4 to 35 months).

CONCLUSION

We have presented our mid-term results with the Sorin Bicarbon bileaflet valve in patients with rheumatic heart disease, which provided good clinical performance combined with meticulous patient care and advanced surgical techniques.

Clinical experience with Sorin Bicarbon valve in patients with tight mitral valve stenosis and elevated pulmonary hypertension (early and mid-term results)

BACKGROUND

The results of mitral valve replacement (MVR) with Sorin mechanical valves in patients who had tight mitral stenosis with high pulmonary artery pressure were reviewed.

METHODS

During a period of two years, from August 1998 to May 2000, a mitral valve replacement with a Sorin Bicarbon mechanical valve was performed in 51 patients with a diagnosis of tight mitral stenosis associated with severe pulmonary hypertension (preoperative mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 72+/-12 mmHg, range from 60 to 105 mmHg). There were 37 women and 14 men; mean age was 47.2+/-12 years. Forty-eight patients (94.12%) were in NYHA functional class III or IV. All the patients discharged from the hospital were submitted to a clinical follow-up program. A 100% follow-up was obtained with a mean of 12.6+/-6.4 months (range 2 to25 months).

RESULTS

Operative mortality was 3.9%, 2 patients who had concomitant CABG died due to low cardiac output. Twelve patients (23.5%) needed an inotropic pharmacological support during the postoperative time. In one patient a re-exploration for bleeding was necessary, and in another one a cerebrovascular accident occurred 3 days after the operation. After 6 months, one patient was reoperated on because of mechanical valve dysfunction due to pannus formation. All survivors underwent a postoperative echocardiographic assessment. The systolic PAP decreased from a mean preoperative value of 72+/-12 mmHg to 39.9+/-12 mmHg. NYHA functional status significantly improved and 86% of the patients were in NYHA functional class I or II.

CONCLUSIONS

The mitral valve replacement with Bicarbon mechanical valve prosthesis shows excellent results in patients with mitral valve stenosis associated with a severe pulmonary hypertension.

Double coronary endarterectomy on the beating heart in two patients with porcelain aorta

Patients with porcelain aorta carry a high risk of systemic embolism during coronary artery bypass grafting. Avoiding manipulation of the aorta during operation using the beating heart approach can prevent atheroemboli. In patients with diffuse atherosclerotic coronary artery disease who require endarterectomy, coronary bypass operations can be done safely on the beating heart.

Long-term prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery surgery

We researched the necessity of quinidine fumarate or acebutolol prophylaxis in patients in whom atrial fibrillation occurred in the postdischarge period and returned to sinus rhythm after coronary artery surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective review.

PATIENTS

Since 1992, 60 patients were chosen in whom atrial fibrillation occurred in early postoperative period. There were no significant differences between them and they were separated into 3 groups. In group I (20 patients) we did not give any drug, in group II (20 patients) quinidine fumarate was given and in group III (20 patients) acebutolol was given and patients were controlled for 90 days.

RESULT

Atrial fibrillation occurred in one patient in group I, (5%), two in group II (10%) and two in group III (10%), (p < 0.05). Different from the other groups, atrial fibrillation was asymptomatic with low ventricular response in group III.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences among three groups statistically, so we suggested that long-term prevention of atrial fibrillation with quinidine fumarate or acebutolol was not necessary after coronary artery surgery.

Vascular complications of intraaortic balloon pumping: unsheathed versus sheathed insertion

Incidence of vascular complications in intraaortic balloon counterpulsation is still high despite major refinements in catheter design and techniques. One hundred twenty-six patients in whom intraaortic balloon pumping was attempted were divided into two groups on the basis of insertion technique. Group 1 included 77 patients in whom the conventional percutaneous insertion was used. In group 2 (n = 45 patients), a sheathless insertion technique was used. The overall vascular complication rate was 19.6%, with the lower limb ischemia as the most common complication. The vascular complication rate was 25.9% in group 1 and 8.8% in group 2 (p < 0.01). Lower limb ischemia was noted in 17 patients in group 1 and 3 patients in group 2 (p < 0.01). These results suggest that sheathless insertion of the intraaortic balloon pump catheter can minimize vascular complications. This technique will be especially useful in patients with peripheral vascular disease, in whom the likelihood of vascular complications is high.