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Biomedical subjects

A J Tector

Publications and source records attributed to A J Tector.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Reoperation in patients with closed SVG and patient LITA-LAD graft: T-graft approach.

Selection of the bypass graft that the patient has demonstrated will remain patent and free from critical atherosclerosis is a most important part of coronary artery bypass reoperations. Sixteen patients in whom a patent left internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending coronary artery bypass graft and obstructed or closed saphenous vein grafts to other coronary arteries were visualized underwent reoperation. To reach the inadequately perfused circumflex and right coronary arteries, the right internal thoracic artery was anastomosed to the left internal thoracic artery as a T graft and then was attached to the circumflex and right coronary artery branches. All patients survived the procedure and are free from angina. There were no perioperative myocardial infarctions, and there was no suggestion of hypoperfusion by the grafts. We believe this technique may reduce the incidence of graft failure in patients undergoing reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting.

Adult

T-cell receptor alpha and beta chain gene expression in cells infiltrating human cardiac allografts.

Intragraft T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha and beta chain variable region gene expression was analyzed in human cardiac allograft biopsies by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Rearranged TCR alpha and beta chain gene transcripts were detected in all biopsies examined (N = 23), indicating the presence of T cells bearing the alpha/beta TCR even in the absence of microscopically apparent leukocyte infiltration. In this analysis, a broad TCR alpha/beta repertoire in actively rejecting lesions was demonstrated, whereas fewer TCR alpha and beta chain gene families were detected in nonrejecting lesions. The number of expressed TCR V beta chain gene families typically was two- to sixfold higher than that of V alpha chain families in all biopsies tested. This asymmetric relation was present throughout the histologic grading spectrum of the biopsies. Based on these data, the TCR repertoire is heterogenous even in the early stages of mononuclear cell infiltration of the allograft. Also based on the data, the presence of T cells in grafts with minimal cellular infiltrates is not a specific marker of subsequent rejection episode, because T cells were identified in all allograft biopsies.

Aged

Hepatic mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and lipid peroxidation in iron-loaded rats fed ethanol.

The aims of this study were to determine whether chronic ethanol consumption potentiates mitochondrial lipid peroxidation or impairment of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in rats with chronic iron overload. Experimental iron overload was induced by feeding rats a chow diet supplemented with 2.5% carbonyl iron. After 8 to 12 weeks, half of the iron-loaded and control animals were changed to a liquid diet containing ethanol for 4 to 5 weeks. The remaining animals were fed an isocaloric amount of diet containing dextrin-maltose instead of ethanol for 4 to 5 weeks. Iron-supplemented animals had a 20-fold increase in hepatic iron concentration as compared with controls. Iron and ethanol independently increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p < 0.05) while the combination resulted in an additive increase in ALT levels (p < 0.01). Although iron overload increased the levels of mitochondrial conjugated dienes and significantly reduced the mitochondrial respiratory control ratio, ethanol administration did not affect these parameters in animals with or without iron overload. Livers from iron-loaded rats that received ethanol showed mild to moderate steatosis with scattered necroinflammatory foci. There was no significant increase in necroinflammatory foci in the livers of the iron plus ethanol group as compared with the iron group. In conclusion, we have demonstrated an additive increase in hepatocellular injury when ethanol is fed to iron-loaded rats, as evidenced by an increase in plasma ALT level. However, there were no additive or synergistic effects of iron and ethanol on either mitochondrial lipid peroxidation or mitochondrial oxidative metabolism.

Alanine Transaminase

Total revascularization with T grafts.

The T graft is constructed by anastomosing the proximal end of the free right internal thoracic artery to the side of the attached left internal thoracic artery. Besides adding considerable reach to the right internal thoracic artery, this technique allows the left anterior descending coronary artery and its branches to be bypassed with the attached left internal thoracic artery. Two hundred eight-seven patients, aged 34 to 86 years (mean age, 64.6 years) received an average of 4.4 internal thoracic artery to coronary artery anastomoses. Sixty-nine patients had left main disease, 33 were undergoing first-time reoperations, and two were reoperated on for the second time. Ejection fraction ranged from 0.20 to 0.70. Operative mortality was 1.7%. Twenty-six patients had postoperative graft visualization, and 94.7% of the grafts were open. All 45 bypass grafts from the left internal thoracic artery were patent, and 91% of those from the right internal thoracic artery were unobstructed. This procedure requires technical skill with internal thoracic arteries, but it has the potential of significantly improving long-term event-free survival and reducing the need for reoperation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Adult

T-graft: a new method of coronary arterial revascularization.

We present early results in 486 patients undergoing total coronary artery revascularization using a T-graft constructed from the attached left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and the free right internal thoracic artery (RITA). The anterior and anterolateral areas of the heart are by-passed with the LITA and the inferolateral, inferior and posterior areas are by-passed with the RITA. These patients received an average of 4.34 distal anastomoses with as many as four from each of the limbs of the T-graft. Ages ranged from 29 to 89 years and ejection fractions from 15 to 79%. Sixty-six patients were undergoing first reoperations and 6 received T-grafts at their second reoperation. The mortality at 30 days was 2.3%. Two of 92 women and 9 of 394 men expired. The perioperative infarction rate was 1.2%. Postoperative angiography in 34 patients showed 98.3% of LITA and 86.5% of RITA anastomoses to be patent. There was a slightly higher patency observed in women. The T-graft technique can be applied to nearly all patients with 3 vessel coronary artery disease with low operative mortality. Precise technique with high power magnification is crucial. This procedure has the potential of avoiding further invasive procedures due to graft deterioration in many patients with 3 vessel coronary artery disease.

Adult

Somatostatin analogue (octreotide) inhibits bile duct epithelial cell proliferation and fibrosis after extrahepatic biliary obstruction.

Extrahepatic biliary obstruction leads to bile duct epithelial cell proliferation. Somatostatin and its analogue, octreotide, have been shown to inhibit DNA synthesis and proliferation in hepatocytes. We investigated the effect of octreotide on the biliary epithelial cell proliferative responses to biliary obstruction. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent common bile duct ligation and subcutaneous injection of either saline or octreotide (6 micrograms/kg) twice daily for 7 days. Morphometric analysis of hepatocytes, bile duct epithelial cells, and periportal connective tissue was performed by computerized point counting. Hepatocyte volume was preserved with octreotide treatment, which also significantly decreased bile duct proliferation and periportal extracellular matrix deposition in response to biliary obstruction compared with saline treated, duct-ligated animals. These results indicate that octreotide prevents the morphological changes that accompany extrahepatic biliary obstruction.

Animals

Sequential, free and Y internal thoracic artery grafts.

The internal thoracic artery (ITA) has excellent durability and its ability to survive for 10 years or more far exceeds the saphenous vein graft (SVG). In an attempt to improve long-term survival from coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), three or more (up to six) ITA coronary anastomoses have been placed in 718 patients since 1982. Initial flow in the ITA immediately after grafting is critical to the success of the operation. Careful dissection and preparation of the ITA pedicle to prevent injury and spasm, constructing parallel and perpendicular anastomoses so the most proximal portion of the ITA is used for anastomosis and the use of the free right ITA to increase length of graft available are measures employed to increase critical flow. Actuarial survival at 6 years is 92.5% in this group of patients, which includes elderly patients, patients with left ventricular dysfunction and patients undergoing emergency operations.

Adult

Fifteen years' experience with the internal mammary artery graft.

Initially, the internal mammary artery (IMA) was implanted into the myocardium, and 10 years later it was anastomosed directly to coronary arteries. Our experience with the IMA started with single attached grafts. To reduce injury to the pedicle and improve anastomotic accuracy, magnification, microsurgical techniques, and cardioplegia were introduced. After establishing excellent long-term patency of the IMA and knowing of the high incidence of obstruction in saphenous vein grafts 7 to 10 years after operation, we hypothesized that multiple IMA coronary anastomoses could improve the long-term results of coronary artery bypass grafting. Bilateral IMA, sequential IMA, and IMA Y-grafts were used to increase the number of mammary coronary anastomoses to 3.1 per patient. Early clinical results and patency evaluations are encouraging. In our experience, the IMA has evolved from being implanted into the myocardium, to a single bypass graft to the left anterior descending coronary artery, and finally to being the bypass conduit of choice supplying blood to three or more obstructed coronary arteries or their branches.

Humans

Expanding the use of the internal mammary artery to improve patency in coronary artery bypass grafting.

To improve the early and late benefits from coronary artery bypass grafting, we have expanded the use of the internal mammary artery by bypassing three or more coronary arteries with mammary grafts. Experience with higher power magnification and the use of the single internal mammary artery are necessary prerequisites of this procedure. The first 100 patients who had three or more mammary artery-coronary artery anastomoses are reviewed. Eighty-six patients received three mammary-coronary anastomoses, 13 received four, and one received six. An average of 3.2 internal mammary artery grafts and 1.7 saphenous vein grafts per patient were placed. Twenty-five of 27 mammary grafts were open on postoperative graft visualization. There were no early deaths and only one patient died late of complications of gangrene of the lower extremities. None of the patients had significant left ventricular failure and only three had perioperative myocardial infarctions. None of the patients complain of angina and 58 of 59 postoperative stress tests were normal. This procedure should significantly reduce the late closure of bypass grafts and the complications thereof, including the need for reoperation.

Coronary Artery Bypass

A new method of autotransfusing blood drained after cardiac surgery.

Ideally, autotransfusion after cardiac surgical procedures should offer the protection of underwater-seal drainage and involve additional cost to the patients only if their blood is reinfused. A technique of returning the patient's postoperatively drained blood that employs these features and that we have found to be safe, simple, and cost-effective is presented.

Adult

Techniques for multiple internal mammary artery bypass grafts.

Long-term patency of the internal mammary artery graft surpasses that of all other bypass conduits. The use of multiple internal mammary artery grafts should improve the long-term results following coronary artery bypass grafting. Technical factors used in mobilizing, preparing, and anastomosing the internal mammary artery are discussed in this article. Fifty-three patients received sequential attached left internal mammary artery grafts from April, 1982, to August, 1983. In 6 of these patients, the right internal mammary artery was anastomosed to a circumflex marginal branch. There were no operative deaths or instances of low cardiac output. One patient suffered anastomotic narrowing that possibly could have been prevented by excision of excess tissue from the internal mammary artery pedicle. Multiple internal mammary artery grafting should have a profound influence on the results of coronary artery bypass grafting.

Graft Survival

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been used to treat patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting who have stenosis of a saphenous vein graft and/or a native artery. During 53 months, 61 patients underwent 105 angioplasty attempts. Eighty lesions (76%) were successfully dilated in 46 of 61 patients (75%). Success in a patient was determined by a greater than or equal to 20% decrease in the percent diameter stenoses coupled with an improved clinical response; 52 patients had one prior CABG and nine patients had two or more prior CABGs. Multivessel disease was present in 56 patients (92%). A vein graft stenosis was successfully dilated in 26 of 33 cases (79%)--19 of 25 (76%) at an anastomotic site and seven of eight (88%) in the graft body. An arterial stenosis was successfully dilated in 37 of 52 cases (71%)--18 of 22 (82%) in the left anterior descending, 13 of 22 (59%) in the circumflex, 21 of 26 (81%) in the right coronary, and two (100%) in the left main coronary artery. There is no statistically significant difference in the incidence of success in dilating a vein graft or native artery. Complications included: one emergency CABG (1.6%), three myocardial infarctions (4.9%), and two deaths (3.3%). There were 15 unsuccessful PTCAs: Ten patients had elective CABG, one had emergency CABG, two received medical treatment, and two died. Forty-six patients are being followed-up: Twenty-eight (61%) continue to do clinically well, seven (15%) had another PTCA and remain well, and 10 (16%) had elective CABG because of restenosis and/or disease progression. There was one late death and one late myocardial infarction. Thus, 35 patients (57%) had continued clinical success without the need for repeat CABG; 89% had no angina or improved angina, and 90% had improved exercise treadmill results. PTCA is technically feasible in selected patients with prior CABG and can achieve a clinical response with an acceptable complication rate when compared to repeat CABG.

Angina Pectoris

The role of the sequential internal mammary artery graft in coronary surgery.

The use of sequential internal mammary artery grafts is a possible method of improving overall long-term graft patency in patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafts. Twenty-nine patients who had sequential grafts were studied. The left internal mammary artery was anastomosed side-to-side to the diagonal and end-to-side to the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in 24 patients, side-to-side to the proximal LAD and end-to-side to the distal LAD for proximal and midvessel obstruction in four patients, and in one patient the left internal mammary artery was grafted side-to-side to the first marginal branch of the circumflex artery and end-to-side to the second marginal branch. There were no operative deaths, but one patient died 10 months after surgery from viral pneumonia. There was no evidence of left ventricular failure. None of the patients suffered perioperative myocardial infarction or return of their angina. Eleven patients underwent postoperative stress tests and results were negative in all. Graft visualization in three patients showed patent grafts without kinking or narrowing. These findings suggest that the sequential internal mammary artery graft is safe and should improve overall long-term patency. We particularly recommend its use in the younger patient.

Coronary Artery Bypass

The internal mammary artery graft: the best choice for bypass of the diseased left anterior descending coronary artery.

The atherosclerotic plaque that critically obstructs the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery is three times more likely to produce a fatal myocardial infarction than lesions in the other coronary arteries. Severe obstruction in a bypass graft to the proximally stenosed left anterior descending artery is probably at high risk of provoking a fatal infarction. Selection of the bypass graft with adequate flow and the greatest longevity is of great importance. Review of 298 patients who received internal mammary artery grafts illustrates that this bypass has excellent long-term patency, minimal attrition, and little evidence suggesting late atherosclerotic formation. Difficulties with anastomosis and pedicle injury during preparation (the most frequent reasons for internal mammary artery failure) can be reduced to 2% or less by introducing magnification and microsurgical techniques. The properly prepared internal mammary artery graft has the longest lasting patency and should be used when bypassing proximal left anterior descending lesions.

Adult

The internal mammary artery graft. Its longevity after coronary bypass.

Two hundred ninety-eight patients who received internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts were reviewed seven to nine years after surgery; 91.6% of these patients are still alive. In 29.5% of these patients there was postoperative graft visualization, and 90% of the studies were performed because of suspected graft failure. Attrition of the IMA graft was minimal. At zero to 24 months after surgery, 93.4% of grafts were patent. At 60 to 108 months 94.4% were patent and there was little, if any, evidence of atherosclerosis in the IMAs. Precise technique in preparation and anastomosis of the IMA is essential for long-term patency. For bypassing obstructive lesions, we recommend selection of the IMA (if it has sufficient size and flow) for use in the left anterior descending, large diagonal, or marginal vessel in the left coronary artery circulation.

Adult