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Urgent or emergent coronary revascularization using bilateral internal thoracic artery after previous clopidogrel antiplatelet therapy.

BACKGROUND: Clopidogrel application before diagnostic or therapeutical percutaneous coronary intervention has become the standard for stent thrombosis prevention. Irreversible platelet inhibition causes increasing bleeding complications if urgent coronary artery bypass grafting is necessary. This study evaluates the effect on bleeding complications of clopidogrel in urgent CABG using bilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA) and saphenous veins in all patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 128 patients (operated between January 2000 and September 2002) undergoing urgent or emergent CABG using both ITAs, and compared 64 patients with previous clopidogrel and aspirin application (within 5 days) to 64 patients without clopidogrel. We evaluated chest tube output, re-exploration rate and necessity of blood products, ventilation time and ICU stay. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in age, gender, number of performed anastomoses (mean 4/patient). Chest tube output (24 h) was higher in the clopidogrel group at 977+/-628 ml vs. 788+/-389 ml (p=0.046), as was re-exploration rate with 7.81% (5 of 64) vs. 0% (0 of 64) (p<0.005). The number of blood products amounted to 2.7+/-1.9 U in the clopidogrel group vs. 1.9+/-1.6 U (p=0.013) for red cells, 0.05+/-0.9 U vs. 0.03+/-0.25 (p=0.0003) for platelets, and 0.5+/-1.3 U vs. 0.2+/-1.0 U (p=0.14) for fresh frozen plasma. Mechanical ventilation time was 11.9+/-9.7 h vs. 9.6+/-5.9 h (p=0.10), ICU stay 32.6+/-22.1 h vs. 27.8+/-18.2 h (p=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Previous application of clopidogrel in combination with aspirin before urgent CABG induces increased chest tube output, re-exploration rate and necessity of blood products, especially platelets. Nevertheless, routine use of both ITAs in patients after clopidogrel exposure can be performed with acceptable bleeding complications.

Aged↗

Review of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome with a report of five new instances.

Arterial damage, causing ischemia of the limb, occurs in less than 5 per cent of all instances of thoracic outlet syndrome. Arterial complications are usually associated with cervical ribs or rudimentary first ribs, but 12 per cent have occurred in patients with no osseous abnormality. The physiopathologic factors begin with compression of the subclavian artery which, in most patients, produces stenosis, poststenotic dilatation, formation of aneurysms and mural thrombosis. In other patients, aneurysms do not form, but the compression still causes stenosis, intimal injury and mural thrombosis. With either scenario, distal embolization can occur and produce signs and symptoms of ischemia that can limb-threatening. In this study, more than 200 patients reported previously and five additional sides in four patients were reviewed. Treatment depends upon the condition of the patient at presentation. Those with osseous abnormalities and no aneurysm or symptoms are not treated, while those with poststenotic dilatation or small aneurysms undergo rib resection only. Aneurysms more than twice the arterial diameter, intimal injury or mural thrombus are indications to resect, replace or bypass the subclavian artery. Patients who have had distal embolization and severe ischemic symptoms require, in addition to the aforementioned, distal thromboembolectomy, dorsal sympathectomy or both. Good results from treatment have been reported in 84 per cent of the 137 patients reported since 1970; 3 per cent required amputation and 3 per cent had cerebral emboli. Because the severe arterial complications were primarily the result of delayed therapy, they can best be avoided by early recognition, diagnosis and treatment.

Adult↗

Neck cannulation for the repair of thoracic artery aneurysms in the infant.

Thoracic aneurysms are relatively rare in infancy. We report our experience with two such patients, one with a false aneurysm of the ascending aorta and the other with a mycotic aneurysm of the main pulmonary artery. Neck cannulation prior to sternotomy, using cannulae designed for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, allowed entry into the mediastinum under controlled circumstances and permitted the successful repair of the aneurysms.

Aneurysm, False↗

[Left internal thoracic artery to left pulmonary artery fistula after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A rare cause of myocardial ischemia].

We report a patient who developed dyspnea on mild exertion six years after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Myocardial ischemia was documented by radionuclide imaging, and coronary angiography showed patency of all grafts and a large fistula between the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and the left pulmonary artery (LPA). The patient was submitted to surgical closure of the fistula and made an excellent recovery.

Aged↗

Evaluation of the internal thoracic arterial graft patency by the transthoracic Doppler method under continuous intravenous infusion of adenosine triphosphate disodium.

Usefulness of the Doppler method under continuous infusion of adenosine triphosphate disodium (ATP) for improvement of accuracy in the diagnosis of the left internal thoracic arterial graft (LITA) patency was examined using transthoracic ultrasonic echocardiography. 1) Influence of ATP on the Doppler velocity in a graft was examined in 7 patients with good LITA grafts using physiological saline as the control. In the ATP group, 80 mg of ATP was dissolved in 20 ml physiological saline and continuously infused at 0.14 mg/kg/min. In the saline group, an equal volume of physiological saline was administered and the blood flow velocity in the LITA was recorded continuously by the transthoracic Doppler method from the supraclavicular fossa approach. Results; ATP administration increased the blood flow velocity in the LITA and the rate of increase was 48.3% for systolic peak velocity, 111% for diastolic peak velocity, 64.4% for systolic time velocity integral and 99% for diastolic time velocity integral indicating particularly high rates of increase in diastolic components. The diastolic/systolic peak velocity ratio or diastolic fraction did not increase significantly. In the saline group, none of the parameters showed a change. 2) Angiographic findings of the LITA were compared with the measurement values of the diastolic components by the Doppler method to examine usefulness of diastolic component measurement with ATP infusion for diagnosis of LITA patency. Subjects were 19 patients with good LITA (group A) and 8 patients with bad LITA (group B). Results; while there were significant differences in the mean baseline diastolic peak velocity, mean diastolic time velocity integral and mean diastolic fraction between the groups, overlapping was seen in individual cases. However, the inter-group differences were more distinct by ATP infusion and the borderline values were 30 cm/sec for diastolic peak velocity and 10 for diastolic time velocity integral. 3) Reliability of the diagnosis for LITA patency by measuring the diastolic components using the Doppler method with ATP infusion was examined and compared with the angiographic findings as the gold standard. Subjects were 27 patients and the diagnostic criteria for good LITA were set at 30 cm/sec for diastolic peak velocity and 10 for diastolic time velocity integral. Results; sensitivity and specificity of the Doppler method with ATP infusion were 100% for diagnosis of LITA patency by measuring the diastolic components. Conclusion, in diagnosis of LITA patency by the transthoracic ultrasonic cardiography, diagnostic accuracy was improved by measuring the diastolic parameters under continuous infusion of ATP.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

[Surgical treatment of ischemic heart disease using internal thoracic artery and partial ileal bypass].

The authors recommend complex two-stage treatment of ischemic heart disease, including a reconstructive operation on the coronary arteries and an operation for correcting the disturbed plasma lipid spectrum (partial ileal bypass). The results of operative treatment of 150 patients with the use of the internal thoracic artery were studied. The authors emphasize the advantages of this operation over one using an autovein graft. Complex operative treatment was conducted in the clinic in 60 patients with a good clinical effect. The authors also recommend operation for partial ileal bypass as an independent intervention in dyslipoproteinemia and diffuse affection of the coronary arteries.

Adult↗

Myocardial contractile performance, preload recruitable stroke work relationships, and histomorphometric changes following off-pump and on-pump coronary bypass grafting of the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump or OPCABG) preserves better cerebrocognitive, pulmonary, hepatorenal, and blood cell functions compared with onpump surgery because of an attenuated inflammatory response. The degrees of ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial protection, and quantitative changes in myocardial contractile performance following OPCABG have not been well documented. METHODS: A canine myocardial ischemic injury model (60-minute occlusion of the left anterior descending artery [LAD];; n = 30, 27-35 kg body weight) was used to quantitatively assess postoperative regional left ventricular function (sonomicrometry, micromanometry, preload recruitable stroke work [PRSW]). The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was anastomosed to the distal LAD in off-pump and on-pump CABG with antegrade/retrograde cold blood cardioplegic arrest (cardiopulmonary bypass time, 58 +/- 2 minutes; cross-clamp time, 28 +/- 3 minutes). Anastomosis patency and endothelial changes at the anastomoses were analyzed with light microscopy and histopathologic techniques. RESULTS: LAD occlusion resulted in ischemia/infarction (creatine kinase-MB levels on-pump and off-pump versus the baselines were, respectively, 17.5 +/- 1.4 mg/L versus 1.5 +/- 0.3 mg/L [P <.05 by analysis of variance and t test]; and 19.5 +/- 1.8 mg/L versus 2.1 +/- 0.4 mg/L [P < .05]) and a significant decrease in regional myocardial function in both groups (50% decrease of PRSW). Revascularization led to reestablishment of myocardial function to baseline (on-pump and off-pump PRSW were, respectively, 57-196 10(3) erg.cm-2; [mean, 127 x10(3) +/- 25 x 10(3) erg . cm-2] and 81-98 10(3) erg.cm-2; [mean, 90 x 10(3) +/- 15 x 10(3) erg .cm-2]). All anastomoses were widely patent in all animals 14 days after surgery. There was a significantly increased intimal thickening at the 8-0 monofilament suture line in the off-pump LITA-to-LAD anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with most commonly applied myocardial preservation techniques (cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermic blood cardioplegic arrest), OPCABG provides at least equal myocardial protection, because there were no significant quantitative differences between off-pump and onpump CABG in myocardial contractile performance following LITA-to-LAD revascularization. The more prominent intimal thickening observed in OPCABG procedures is worrisome and deserves further investigation.

Animals↗

Feasibility of the utilisation of the right internal thoracic artery in the transverse sinus in off pump coronary revascularisation: early angiographic results.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility of beating heart coronary surgery and to angiographically assess complete revascularisations with routine use of the two internal thoracic arteries (ITA), with the right ITA pedicled and placed through the transverse sinus. The authors report the results of their initial experience of coronary surgery without CPB, which began in December 1998. METHODS: From December 1998 to October 1999, 50 patients underwent non-urgent beating heart coronary revascularisation via a median sternotomy with the 2 ITA. Stabilization of the anastomotic site was ensured by the Octopus stabilizer 1 then 2. A troponin Ic assay was systematically performed in the initial postoperative period. With the patient's consent, postoperative angiography was performed before discharge. RESULTS: The mean number of anastomoses was 2.5+/-0.6 per patient (range: 2-4). Distal anastomoses by arterial grafts were performed in 87% of cases. In one case, the right ITA could not be kept pedicled and tunnelled in the transverse sinus and a Y graft onto the left ITA had to be performed. Left anterior descending-diagonal sequential bypass with the left ITA was performed in seven patients (14%). There was no operative mortality. One patient developed postoperative myocardial infarction. Follow-up angiography was performed in 42 cases (84%), with 104 anastomoses reviewed (85%). The patency rate for all anastomoses was 98.1%, with 90.4% of excellent results. The patency rate of the right ITA was 100%, with 90.5% of excellent results. CONCLUSIONS: Beating heart coronary surgery allows revascularisation of all coronary territories. This technique is not an obstacle to the use of the pedicled right ITA tunnelled in the transverse sinus. It is not associated with an increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, and the early follow-up angiographic results are excellent.

Aged↗

Bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in diabetic patients: perioperative risk analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic patients have a higher risk to acquire coronary artery disease at younger ages and vein grafts used in these patients have a tendency to develop stenosis earlier. No significant differences have been reported between the patency of internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafts in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, bilateral ITA grafting in diabetic patients remains a controversial topic due to increased risks in the perioperative morbidity. METHODS: The effects of bilateral ITA grafting on perioperative morbidity for diabetic patients were studied in two different trials. The first study compared 25 diabetic patients with 25 non-diabetic patients with bilateral ITA grafts for the length of the intensive care unit and hospital stay periods, for superficial wound infection, sternal dehiscence, mediastinitis rates and readmissions following discharge. The second study compared 30 diabetic patients with bilateral ITA grafts to 30 diabetic patients with unilateral ITA grafts for the same criteria as in the first study. RESULTS: The first study showed no statistical difference between diabetic and non-diabetic patients for the criteria studied, but a slight increase was clinically observed in the readmission rate for diabetic patients due to superficial wound infection. The second study showed neither statistical, nor clinical differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Full arterial revascularization is very important for the prognosis of diabetic patients. With a careful management, the slight increase in the perioperative morbidity could be reduced to acceptable levels enabling the diabetic patients to benefit from the long-term advantages of bilateral ITA grafting.

Case-Control Studies↗

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome with embolic cerebral infarction. Report of a case.

Cerebral embolism is a very rare but recognized manifestation of arterial complications of thoracic outlet syndrome, and is associated with retrograde embolization in the cerebral arteries. We herein report a case of embolic brain infarction due to arterial thoracic outlet syndrome while discussing the etiology, diagnosis, and surgery.

Cerebral Infarction↗

Doppler features of occlusion of the internal thoracic artery due to preoperative branch embolization.

A 61-year-old male was referred to the surgical ward by cardiologists because of a diagnosis of unstable angina with 3-vessel disease. On preoperative left internal thoracic arteriography, a large first intercostal branch was found at the proximal portion. Selective arterial embolization of the branch of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was carried out preoperatively. At 2 days after embolization, the Doppler peak flow velocity and diameter of the LITA were increased and enlarged compared with before the procedure. However, a large reverse wave following after the first systolic peak flow of the LITA was newly detected after embolization. Upon operation, the LITA was found to be occluded at the 2nd intercostal space due to thrombus formation. Therefore, the right internal thoracic artery was anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery and coronary reversed saphenous vein grafts were joined to segment 4PD of the right coronary artery. The postoperative course was uneventful. There has been no previous report of an LITA branch being embolized preoperatively. It was possible to diagnose the graft problem by detecting the altered Doppler wave form of the LITA.

Angina Pectoris↗

Vasorelaxing properties of some phenylacridine type potassium channel openers in isolated rabbit thoracic arteries.

In this study, 12 new 2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-9-aryl-2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10-octahydro-1,8-acridindione derivatives were synthesised and their effects on vascular potassium channels and mechanism of induced relaxations on phenylephrine-induced contractile responses in isolated rabbit thoracic arteries was investigated. Pinacidil was used as standard potassium channel openers in this study. Compounds 1-12 and pinacidil exerted concentration-dependent relaxation responses precontracted phenylephrine in the aortic rings with the efficacy order: 11>pinacidil>7>2>8>3>1>4>10>6>9>5>12.

Acridines↗

[Re-translocation method using bilateral internal thoracic arteries; report of a case].

A 43-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a peri-graft pseudoaneurysm and an aorto-left ventricle communication, following Danielson translocation for infective endocarditis 5 years earlier. He underwent the re-translocation using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (ITAs). The postoperative course was quite reasonable and the patient was discharged. In spite of usefulness for severe infective endocarditis, the translocation might develop several complications, such as pseudoaneurysms and troubles with bypass grafts. This technique requires close observation postoperatively. Using ITAs at the initial translocation method might be a wise option.

Adult↗

Flow dynamics and wall shear stress in the left internal thoracic artery: composite arterial graft versus single graft.

OBJECTIVE: Phasic blood flow dynamics and wall shear stress (WSS) have the potential to directly modulate endothelial responses, playing an important role in the development of bypass graft occlusion. This study compares phasic blood flow velocity patterns and WSS of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) used as a composite Y-graft (27 patients, Y-group) and as a single graft (24 patients, S-group) on the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. METHODS: An intravascular Doppler-tipped guide wire was used for postoperative analysis of phasic blood flow velocity. Flow velocities were recorded proximally and distally into the LITA in both groups. Digitalized spectral velocities were acquired to compute systolic peak velocity, diastolic peak velocity, and average peak velocity. The ratio of diastolic to systolic peak velocity was computed (DSVR). WSS was calculated from graft flow velocity and vessel diameter. RESULTS: Proximal LITA in Y-group had greater average peak velocity (APV) (p=0.000), DSVR (p=0.026), flow volume (p=0.000), WSS (p=0.02), and diameter (0.019) than S-group. There were not significant differences for the distal LITA between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The LITA shows a marked adaptability to flow dynamics. The proximal tract of the LITA in Y-group is able to match increased flow requirements, probably through the release of endothelial vasoactive mediators. Flow velocity spectra acquired in the proximal LITA in Y-group resemble the biphasic coronary artery pattern with a clear diastolic predominance. This pattern is probably consequence of the increase of blood flow due to the lower vascular resistance of the Y-graft system and to the active dilatation of the LITA.

Aged↗

Influence of low molecular weight heparin preparations on human internal thoracic artery contraction.

OBJECTIVE: Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) offer practical and potential pharmacological advantages over unfractionated heparin in multiple applications but have not been studied as vasoactive agents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two commercial preparations of LMWHs, enoxaparin sodium and nadroparin calcium, on vasoconstriction in the human internal thoracic artery (ITA) in vitro. METHODS: Samples of redundant ITA segments obtained from 36 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery were cut into 3mm wide rings and suspended in 20 ml organ bath. Activity of ITA rings precontracted with 80 mM KCl, 0.1 microM endothelin-1 (ET-1) and 1 microM norepinephrine (NE) after administration of enoxaparin and nadroparin in accumulative concentration ranging from 0.1 to 13.2 UI AXa/ml were recorded under isometric conditions by means of force transducers with digital output. The contraction after 80 mmol KCl, 0.1 microM ET-1 and 1 microM NE administration was treated as a control. RESULTS: Both studied LMWHs in concentration ranging from 0.12 to 13.2 UI AXa/ml did not change basal tonus and KCl precontracted ITA rings. When used in concentrations higher than 13.2 UI AXa/ml nadroparin but not enoxaparin significantly increased the tension in KCl precontracted arterial rings. In NE and ET-1 precontracted rings enoxaparin and nadroparin caused dose dependent relaxation without significant differences between both preparations. Incubation with nitric oxide blocker-Nomega-NITRO-L-ARGININE (L-NNA) in concentration 0.2 mM caused a significant attenuation of relaxant responses to both studied LMWHs in NE and ET-1 precontracted rings. CONCLUSION: LMWHs can have vasorelaxant effects on the receptor-mediated ITA vasoconstriction. The results suggest that LMWHs-induced relaxation in the human ITA is at least partially caused by nitric oxide release. Although the vasoactive effects are not the primary advantage of these drugs used as antithrombotics, such effects might have some clinical importance in the treatment and prophylaxis of graft spasm.

Anticoagulants↗

[The internal thoracic artery in myocardial revascularization in patients with severely depressed left ventricular function].

INTRODUCTION: In most prospective, randomized studies, severely depressed left ventricular function is found to be the independent predictor of increased morbidity and mortality after myocardial revascularization [3]. Surgical treatment in this particular group of patients results in superior long-term results [1, 2]. Internal thoracic artery (ITA) is considered to be superior compared to venous grafts in myocardial revascularization for the majority of patients with ischaemic heart disease. However, its value in patients with already severely depressed left ventricular function (EF < or = 30%) is still a matter of debate. There are no prospective, randomized studies, so far. In some studies it was shown that revascularization with ITA graft resulted in superior long-term results (10- and 15-year follow-up) in all subgroups of patients, including those with severely depressed left ventricular function [4, 5]. Some authors find it still unacceptable, if this result would be possible at the expense of higher early mortality (due to use of ITA). The purpose of this study is to analyze the early and long-term results of myocardial revascularization using ITA graft in patients with severely depressed left ventricular function (EF < 30%). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the period from November 1986 through March 1999, 2860 pts have received ITA (alone or with additional vein grafts) for myocardial revascularization. In 431 pts EF was < or = 30% (15.1%), average EF being 25.7% (by echocardiography); 33 were women, 29 were diabetics, while average age was 56.7 +/- 8.4 years. The control group consisted of 430 pts, with similar preoperative characteristics, who received vein grafts alone. RESULTS: Operative mortality in the ITA group was 2.55% (11/431), and postoperative morbidity was 7.4% (32/431). In the group with vein grafts only the mortality was 3.25% (14/430) and morbidity 6.7% (29/430)--Table 2. The average postoperative hospital stay was 9.1 days (range 7-32). There was no difference in operative and postoperative parameters (extracorporeal time, ischaemic time, duration of mechanical ventilation, need for inotropic support, mortality, morbidity and hospital stay) compared to the group with vein grafts alone, except for the blood drainage--significantly higher in the ITA group--p < 0.00001)--Table 3. Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of unfavorable outcome were the presence of peripheral vascular disease (beta--0.9; p = 0.02) and aortic cross-clamp time (beta--0.02; p = 0.01). Long-term results in 14 pts with ITA graft operated on from 1986 to 1992 (6-12 years of follow-up) showed the survival of 92.7%. DISCUSSION: Superior long-term patency of ITA graft resulted in its practically routine use in myocardial revascularization. However, in some studies it was shown that ITA flow might be insufficient during the maximal effort [6]. This may result in hypoperfusion, low cardiac output syndrome and cardiac arrest. This frequently happens at the end of the operation, and may be accentuated with the use of vasopressors that can further decrease the ITA flow [9]. In patients with already severely depressed left ventricular function preoperatively, the use of vasopressors at the end of procedure when the myocardium may be quite vulnerable, is to be expected. Friesewinkel et al., [18] showed that there was an impairment of the regional contractility of the left ventricle early (up to 4 hours) after myocardial revascularization, when one or both ITA grafts were used. Since this was not the case if vein grafts were used, they advised to be careful in patients with "depressed left ventricular function". However, Elefteriades et al., [1] found no higher mortality in patients with "bad left ventricle" in whom ITA was used, but point out that patients with elective operation and without need for intensive care treatment preoperatively had much better outcome. Jagaden et al., [19] found very good results in these patients, after the routine use of ITA, during a 20-year follow-up. In our study EF < or = 30% was present in 861 patients, 431 with ITA graft and 430 with vein grafts only. There was no difference between groups considering all possible preoperative and operative factors of importance for the outcome. We found no increased early morbidity and mortality in patients in whom ITA was used compared to patients with vein grafts only. In patients operated on from 1986-1992 (follow-up of 6-12 years), we noted the survival of 92.7%. This was not statistically different compared to patients with vein grafts (survival of 88.9%). Despite the small number of patients, we found these long-term results very encouraging. CONCLUSION: ITA graft is a very good and absolutely acceptable choice in patients with severely damaged left ventricular function, particularly if we consider its long-term superiority. These pts should not be deprived of the long-term benefit of ITA graft, since early results are very good.

Coronary Disease↗