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Biomedical subjects

A M Lansing

Publications and source records attributed to A M Lansing.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) in treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. A practical approach for the primary care physician.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found commercially in fish oil concentrate, may be a useful and safe treatment in lowering elevated triglyceride blood levels. A case is presented of a severely hypertriglyceridemic patient with an idiopathic adverse reaction to gemfibrozil and clofibrate who demonstrated a significant response with fish oil therapy. The benefits and risks of fish oil treatment are discussed.

Aged

Treatment of cardiogenic shock with the Hemopump left ventricular assist device.

A multiinstitutional study is in progress to evaluate the Hemopump in the treatment of cardiogenic shock. Fifty-three patients with refractory cardiogenic shock were selected for Hemopump assistance. The hemodynamic definition of cardiogenic shock included (1) a cardiac index of less than 2.0 L.min-1.m-2, (2) pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of greater than 18 mm Hg, and (3) a systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg or a left ventricular work index of less than 1,500 g-m.m-2.min-1. The Hemopump was successfully inserted in 41 of 53 patients (77.3%). A significant improvement in the hemodynamic status was seen during Hemopump assistance. A minimal level of hemolysis was observed. No leg ischemia was observed. The 30-day overall survival of the Hemopump group was 31.7%. Criteria establishing indications for use and clinical utility are proposed. We conclude that the Hemopump provides significant hemodynamic support of the patient in cardiogenic shock allowing for recovery from ventricular stunning in marginal ventricles, and that in select patients the Hemopump may offer a major improvement in survival over conventional therapy.

Cardiac Output

Resection of renal cell carcinoma with vena cava extension using circulatory arrest.

Resection of renal cell carcinoma with extension into the inferior vena cava can result in massive blood loss, incomplete removal of the tumor, and systemic dissemination of malignant cells. A case is presented in which circulatory arrest with total body exsanguination permitted relatively safe resection in a bloodless operative field.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell

Laser assisted balloon angioplasty in peripheral vascular surgery: a preliminary report.

Laser/balloon thermal angioplasty has proven to be a valuable adjunct in our management of peripheral vascular disease. The initial trials have produced a 77% success rate, a 3% incidence of complications, and no morbidity. Patient acceptance has been high and the return to prior activities in less than 1 week is an appreciated advantage. Laser/balloon angioplasty expands the armamentarium of the vascular surgeon and makes possible broader applications of standard vascular surgical techniques.

Aged

A unique inlet [the ascending aorta] for extra-anatomic bypass of infected arterial prostheses.

Infection is the most dreaded complication associated with implantation of a prosthetic arterial graft. The reported incidence of primary graft infection varies from 1.3% to 6.0%, with a mortality rate from this complication as high as 75%. Although remote bypass followed by complete removal of the infected prosthesis has proven to be a satisfactory method of treatment, in certain instances remote bypass alone is not feasible and other modes of surgical treatment must be employed. Such conservative methods of management of infected aorto-iliac-femoral prosthesis sometimes irradicate infection. The only certain cure, however, is obtained by totally removing the graft. And the success of extra-anatomic axillofemoral techniques has led to its extended use. The addition of a cross-limb on an axillo-unilateral femoral graft to form an axillobilateral femoral graft was described by Sauvage and Wood, reasoning that the higher flow rate in the axillary limb of the axillobilateral femoral graft would result in an improved patency rate compared with that of axillounilateral femoral grafts. Additionally, both medial (obturator foramen) and lateral extra-anatomic remote bypass of infected femoral prosthesis have been used, successfully. The current case illustrates the complexity of management, once sepsis occurs. It further focuses on groin, retroperitoneal and bilateral axillo-femoral tract infection with prolonged (apparently innocuous) graft exposure and finally points out the utility of the ascending aorta as an alternative extra-anatomic inlet to perfuse the lower extremities.

Aged

Acute mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta following aortocoronary bypass: successful repair.

Acute mycotic aneurysms of the ascending aorta following aortocoronary bypass are exceedingly rare. To our knowledge, there have been few reports of successful management. The central location of this lesion places it apart from acute or chronic mycotic aneurysms in general and enhances its lethality. The availability of ascending and arch aortography, computerized chest tomography and the techniques of peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass, deep hypothermia and reversible circulatory arrest for prolonged periods of time permit successful management. The purpose of this report is to (1) illustrate such a problem; (2) describe its successful management; (3) review the etiology of mycotic aneurysms, historically and contemporarily; and (4) to differentiate early, acute mycotic aneurysms of the ascending aorta following aortocoronary bypass (usually lethal) from similar late chronic processes (readily reparable).

Acute Disease

Regional cholesterol screening: problems and potentials.

Mass cholesterol level screening was carried out in 3,288 individuals. Over a wide range of ages, moderate or high risk values were found in 16%. Follow-up of those with abnormal cholesterol levels revealed that a low percentage visited their family physicians. Moreover, successful responses to treatment were identified in a very small number. The cost of lowering an elevated serum cholesterol level identified in this manner was approximately $800. Problems and potentials of this approach are discussed. Interest in serum cholesterol level control and understanding of its importance have greatly increased. Patients and physicians have become more well informed as a result of the Lipid Research Clinics-Coronary Primary Prevention Trial (LRC-CPPT) and recent guidelines proposed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). As a result of these reports, it is now recognized that lowering an elevated cholesterol by 1% causes a 2% reduction in mortality from coronary artery occlusive disease. Moreover, it is now conceded that normal levels are much less than had been thought previously and it is recommended that all adults receive treatment to maintain a serum cholesterol less than 200 mg/dl. We were recently invited to present an exhibit in the high technology area of the Kentucky State Fair. This provided an opportunity to develop and test the mass screening process, collect data, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of such screening processes.

Adolescent

Malignant clinical behavior of cardiac myxomas and "myxoid imitators".

The clinical experience with cardiac myxomas and "myxoid imitators" at the Humana Heart Institute International is reviewed and contrasted with a comprehensive review of the world literature. Twenty-two patients with primary cardiac tumors have been treated at our institution. Three (13.6%) of them had myxoid imitators, and 19 had classic myxomas. One of the 19 patients with a classic myxoma had recurrence on two occasions (recurrence rate, 5.3%). The cases of 57 patients from the world literature are reviewed. Recurrence and/or metastases (including formation of mycotic aneurysm) occurred in approximately 50% of these patients. The overall mortality in these patients was 47%. This review provides documentation of the malignant clinical behavior of cardiac myxomas and myxoid imitators. Neither local recurrence nor regrowth of the tumor in a new location, whether intracardiac or extracardiac, can be predicted from the microscopic appearance of the primary tumor. Resection of the myxoma with a wide margin is the recommended surgical procedure but does not ensure a cure. Therefore, long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Fibroma

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and recurrent thromboembolism in siblings.

Two brothers with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and multiple arterial and venous thromboembolism affecting peripheral vessels are described. Heparin-dependent antiplatelet antibody was detected using platelet aggregometry in both patients. Although these observations may be coincidental, the possibility of familial occurrence of this adverse reaction to heparin cannot be excluded with certainty.

Disease Susceptibility