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Ischaemic heart diseases (IHDs) are the leading contributor to mortality worldwide and more than 60% occur in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) and 40% of these are specified as premature. Despite notable improvements in treatment options, premature deaths due to IHDs including ischaemic heart failure (IHF) continue to rise in the South Asian population due to prevalent conventional and inherent cardiovascular risk profiles. Stem cell (SCs) therapy has emerged as a potential frontier in regenerative therapy for acute and chronic illnesses. Among various available sources of SCs, the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for non-functional cardiomyocytes have been established, but robust evidence necessitates to endorse these preliminary investigations. Little work has been conducted in resource constraints countries and needs immediate attention of all the stakeholders to explore non-conventional cost-effective and sustainable interventions for long term management of IHDs including IHF. Continued...

Purpose The left internal mammary artery in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is considered to be an important intraoperative quality indicator with excellent long-term results. The purpose of this study is to compare the early outcomes of CABG with and without the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in the South Asian population and to look for the utilization of LIMA as per the recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons in a developing country. Materials and methods A retrospective review was carried out for all patients who underwent CABG from 2010 to 2015. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of whether LIMA was used (Group I) or not used (Group II) as a conduit. Both groups were further subdivided into elective and urgent. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were recorded and compared. Results After exclusion, a total of 2619 patients underwent isolated CABG surgery during the required duration. The LIMA was used in 94% of the patients (n=2472) while 147 patients underwent CABG without LIMA. The use of LIMA was associated with significantly lower mortality (2% LIMA vs 8.8% no LIMA), as well as a decrease in major comorbidity, stroke, and prolonged ventilation. In the subgroup analysis, LIMA usage in elective and urgent cases was associated with significantly lower mortality (elective 1.6% LIMA vs 7.4% No LIMA) (urgent 4.8% LIMA vs 15.7 % no LIMA)) and major morbidity. Conclusion The outcomes of CABG procedures without LIMA were not encouraging. Our results support compliance with standard adult cardiac surgery quality-of-care guidelines.

Technological progress has changed the landscape of surgical practice. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and percutaneous interventions (PC) are constantly replacing open procedures. This reduces hospital stay and allows quicker recovery. The application of MIS should follow the good medical practice dictum by Hippocrates i.e. "First do no harm". To remain abreast with new procedures, the medical personnel are required to update and enhance their knowledge and skill. To ensure safety, the innovations are rigorously tested and tried. The learning curve of MIS is shortened by simulator training and proctorship. Credentialing processes are in place to enhance safe delivery of care. Despite of all these measures MIS and PCI are associated with adverse effects. The purpose of this article is to overview the iatrogenic trauma associated with MIS and PCI in major surgical subspecialties.