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OBJECTIVES Most strokes associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) result from left atrial appendage thrombi. Oral anticoagulation can reduce stroke risk but is limited by complication risk and non-compliance. Left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE) is a new surgical option to reduce stroke risk in AF. The study objective was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of standalone thoracoscopic LAAE in high stroke risk AF patients. METHODS This was a retrospective, multicentre study of high stroke risk AF patients who had oral anticoagulation contraindications and were not candidates for ablation nor other cardiac surgery. Standalone thoracoscopic LAAE was performed using 3 unilateral ports access and epicardial clip. Periprocedural adverse events, long-term observational clinical outcomes and stroke rate were evaluated. RESULTS Procedural success was 99.4% (174/175 patients). Pleural effusion occurred in 4 (2.3%) patients; other periprocedural complications were CONCLUSIONS Study proved that a new surgical option, standalone thoracoscopic LAAE, is feasible and safe. With this method, long-term stroke rate may be reduced compared to predicted for high-risk AF population.

OBJECTIVES In patients referred to off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) may be used for those with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), an alternative to the Maze procedure. However, the success rate of PVI in persistent AF is limited. The study assesses the prognostic value of focal epicardial electrocardiography of the pulmonary veins (PVs) for surgical ablation results. METHODS We mapped 140 PV in 35 cases undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Data obtained using a sensing-pacing probe before ablation were analysed. The composite study end-point consisted of the need for electrical cardioversion for in-hospital recurrence of AF and the presence of AF at hospital discharge and after 6 months follow-up confirmed by 24-h Holter electrocardiographic monitoring. RESULTS In patients with epicardial far-field (FF) signals recorded over at least 1 PV, the composite end-point occurred in 61% (14) vs 25% (3) of patients with no FF signal recorded over any PV (P = 0.04). The presence of FF signals in at least 1 PV significantly increased the risk of composite end-point occurrence (odds ratio 3; P = 0.04). The composite end-point occurred in 86% (6) of patients with FF signals recorded over all PVs and in 39% (11) in the remainder of the study population (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative epicardial focal electrocardiography of PVs revealed more than 40% of PVs had only FF atrial signals. The presence of FF signals in PVs is related to a lower early effectiveness of PVI on ablating AF. Epicardial focal electrocardiography of PVs may be a clinically effective intraoperative tool in the decision-making process between less invasive PVI and the standard Maze procedure.

Background A deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) can become a severe complication after cardiac surgery, with in-hospital mortality rates reaching up to 35%. Staphylococci, particularly methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), play important roles in its etiology. Case Presentation This case report presents a patient who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, and suffered postoperatively from a DSWI caused by MRSA. The pathogen was susceptible to vancomycin and rifampicin in vitro; however, this therapy was clinically ineffective. Both clinical improvement and MRSA eradication were achieved after surgical debridement of the wound and the intravenous administration of dalbavancin. Conclusions We decided to administer dalbavancin because of its convenient pharmacological profile. The patient’s tolerance of the antimicrobial was good, the biochemical markers of inflammation returned to the normal ranges, and the microbiological results one week after the dalbavancin administration were negative. A good clinical outcome was achieved with both the surgery and antimicrobial administration. In this case, dalbavancin was more effective in the treatment of the sternal and surrounding tissue infections caused by MRSA, when compared to vancomycin.

OBJECTIVES Concomitant surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is recommended for patients undergoing off-pump coronary revascularization in the presence of this arrhythmia. Achievement of optimal visualization of pulmonary veins while maintaining stable haemodynamic conditions is crucial for proper completion of the ablation procedure. This study evaluates the safety and feasibility of right atrial positioning using a suction-based cardiac positioner as opposed to compressive manoeuvres for exposure during off-pump surgical ablation for AF. METHODS Thirty-four consecutive patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation, ganglionated plexi ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Right atrial suction positioning was used to visualize right pulmonary veins. Safety and feasibility end points were analysed intraoperatively and in the early postoperative course. RESULTS In all patients, right atrial positioning created optimal conditions to complete transverse and oblique sinus blunt dissection, correct placement of a bipolar ablation probe, detection and ablation of ganglionated plexi and conduction block assessment. In all patients, this entire right-sided ablation procedure was completed with a single exposure manoeuvre. Feasibility end points were achieved in all study patients. CONCLUSIONS This report documents the safety and feasibility of right atrial exposure using a suction-based cardiac positioner to complete ablation for AF concomitant with off-pump coronary revascularization. This technique may be widely adopted to create stable haemodynamic conditions and optimal visualization of the right pulmonary veins.

Objectives Epicardial left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with use of occluder is an emerging technique. Absence of remnant LAA stump is major criterion of successful obliteration. The aim of study was to assess early success rate of epicardial LAA closure. Methods Fifteen patients with persistent AF and coronary artery disease underwent off-pump coronary revascularization with concomitant ablation and LAA epicardial occlusion with use of two types of occluders. Before incision and after appendage closure, TEE was performed to assess the LAA anatomy, diameter of left atrial ridge, and remnant LAA stump after occlusion. Results In 80% (12) of patients, formation of a left atrial diverticulum was observed with the left atrial ridge forming the superior boundary. In 5 patients (33%), a minimal remnant LAA stump was found, none exceeding 1 cm (average length: 1.5 ± 2.3 mm). In all patients, blood flow in LAA cavity distal to the occluder was absent. There was no significant difference in LAA type, average left atrial diameter, LAA orifice, LAA length, left atrial ridge, or size of occluder used between patients with and without a remnant LAA stump. Occurrence of a remnant LAA stump correlated significantly with unfavorable anatomy (LAA orifice 5 mm; r = 0.5774, P = 0.02). Conclusion The early success of epicardial LAA occlusion is not dependent on LAA morphologic type or occluder used. A minimal remnant LAA stump not exceeding 1 cm in length without distal blood flow was observed in one-third of the cases.

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have an increased stroke risk. This can be managed by oral anticoagulation (OAC) but a substantial number of patients are ineligible. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the predominant thrombus source in AF, thus LAA management may reduce stroke risk. We

Idiopathic dilatation of the pulmonary artery (IDPA) is a rare congenital heart disease. It has been described for almost one hundred years, and numerous definitions have been proposed. The IDPA diagnostic criteria have not been updated for years. Secondary to primary disease, pulmonary artery aneurism was recognised as a lethal defect; however, long-term follow-up of patients with IDPA has not been well researched. Thus, indications to medical or surgical treatment are not evidence based. Here, we present a rare case of a 54-year-old patient with IDPA, who remained under observation for 36 years without surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVES Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) aims to restore normal sinus rhythm while protecting the sinus node from surgical damage. Surgical lesions may affect autonomic neural structures and influence physiological heart rate variability (HRV). The primary aim of this study was to describe long-term dynamics of HRV after successful surgical ablation of AF. The secondary aim was to compare sinus node function after successful ablation of AF with either left atrial modified Maze procedure or epicardial pulmonary vein isolation after long-term follow-up. METHODS This retrospective study included 75 patients who underwent successful ablation of paroxysmal or persistent AF (53 patients, 71%) and long-standing persistent AF (22 patients, 29%). Standard variables were selected to describe HRV and the minimal and mean heart rates. In all patients, a 24-h Holter ECG study was performed preoperatively, at hospital discharge and after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS A significant reduction in the main HRV parameters and an increase in heart rate were observed at discharge when compared with the preoperative period. During follow-up, all HRV parameters returned to preoperative levels. No significant differences were observed in HRV parameters and HR between the modified Maze and pulmonary vein isolation procedure groups at any time. CONCLUSIONS Successful surgical ablation of paroxysmal, persistent and long-standing persistent AF using either pulmonary vein isolation or modified left atrial Maze procedure does not disrupt long-term HRV. A significant early postoperative reduction in HRV with a gradual increase in the following months is typical in patients after surgical restoration of sinus rhythm.

OBJECTIVES In patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures, pulmonary vein isolation may be easily accomplished, and it is important to achieve bidirectional conduction block across created lesions. The primary aim of this study was to assess the risk of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) after multiple applications of epicardial bipolar radiofrequency energy. METHODS Thirty-five consecutive patients who were referred for off-pump coronary revascularization with concomitant pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage occlusion were prospectively included in the study. The ablation protocol provided 8 standard epicardial applications of bipolar energy with additional applications until the acute bidirectional conduction block was achieved. Three to 6 months after surgery, patients underwent computed tomography to assess PVS. RESULTS In all patients, bidirectional conduction block was achieved across the created lesions. In 31 (89%) patients, conduction block was accomplished after the standard 8 energy applications on each side. In 4 (11%) patients, additional applications of energy were needed. All patients had computed tomography (128 total pulmonary veins) scans, which showed no evidence of PVS. CONCLUSIONS Multiple applications of bipolar radiofrequency energy during off-pump epicardial pulmonary vein isolation did not lead to PVS. Creating bidirectional conduction block using multiple energy applications through created lesions is feasible in all patients using the ablation protocol described.

Background: Postoperative clopidogrel use after surgical coronary revascularization may provide short- and long-term reduction of risk of negative cardiovascular events. However, there are not enough data from prospective randomized trials comparing head-to-head monotherapy with either aspirin or clopidogrel. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of aspirin or clopidogrel use in patients after elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Material and methods: The study involved 50 patients who were referred for elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Preoperatively patients were randomized to postoperative antiplatelet treatment with either aspirin (150 mg per day) or clopidogrel for 6 months (75 mg per day). After 6 months all patients were turned to aspirin. In all patients platelet function on aspirin was checked before surgery. After 1, 6 and 12 months in all cases follow-up was collected in terms of any adverse events. Results: During follow-up 26 negative events occurred, including repeated revascularization, stroke and bleeding. In the clopidogrel arm cumulative risk of negative events was significantly lower (14%) in comparison to the aspirin group (25%, p < 0.05). In patients with preoperative persistent platelet function on aspirin the highest cumulative event risk was observed (35%). The lowest cumulative event risk was observed in aspirin responders randomized to the clopidogrel arm (2%). Conclusions: Clopidogrel therapy provided for 6 months after OPCAB instead of the standard aspirin protocol may reduce the risk of negative adverse cardiovascular events. Occurrence of preoperative persistent platelet function on aspirin is related to worse 1-year outcome after off-pump coronary

INTRODUCTION: Left atrial ganglionated plexi ablation is an adjuvant technique used to increase the success rate of surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Ganglionated plexi ablation requires previous detection. We aimed to assess determinants of successful ganglionated plexi detection and to correlate range of ganglionated plexi ablation with risk of early atrial fibrillation recurrence. METHODS: The study involved 34 consecutive patients referred for surgical coronary revascularization with concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation. Ganglionated plexi detection was done by inducing vagal reflexes in the area of the pulmonary veins and left atrial fat pads. RESULTS: Detection of GP was successful in 85% of the patients. There was no difference in preoperative characteristics nor in atrial fibrillation type between patients in whom ganglionated plexi detection was successful and others. The number of detected ganglionated plexi correlated significantly only with preoperative resting heart rate. Significant negative correlation was found in patients with preoperative heart rate>75 beat/min in terms of total number of detected ganglionated plexi (P=0.04). Average number of detected ganglionated plexi was significantly higher in patients with in-hospital atrial fibrillation recurrence requiring electrical cardioversion (3.8±3) in comparison to rest of the study population (2±1.3; P=0.02). In patients in whom 4 or more ganglionated plexi were detected, significantly increased risk of in-hospital atrial fibrillation recurrence was observed (OR 15; 95% CI 1.5-164; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Left atrial ganglionated plexi detection was unsuccessful in a considerable percentage of patients. Preoperative heart rate significantly influenced positive ganglionated plexi detection and number of ablated ganglia. Higher number of detected ganglionated plexi was related with early recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: De-novo ventricular arrhythmias are potentially life-threatening complications after beating-heart revascularization (off-pump CABG). Whether pulmonary hypertension can influence initiation of ventricular arrhythmias through increased sympathetic activity is controversial. In order to determine the influence of pulmonary hypertension on its relative contribution to ventricular arrhythmia, we first had to define the role of cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with pulmonary normotension. We aimed to observe how parameters of linear and nonlinear heart rate variability are changed pre- and postoperatively in patients with pulmonary normotension undergoing off-pump CABG. METHODS: Fifteen-minute ECG recordings were collected before and after off-pump CABG in 54 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and pulmonary normotension to determine linear (TP, HF, LF, LF:HF ratio) and nonlinear detrended fluctuation analysis (α1, α2) and fractal dimension (average, high and low) parameters of heart rate variability. Arrhythmia was monitored preoperatively in 24-hour Holter recordings and postoperatively by continuous monitoring and clinical assessment. RESULTS: Deterioration from simple (Lown I–II) to complex (Lown III–V) ventricular arrhythmia was observed in 19 patients, and improvement from complex to simple arrhythmia in five patients (P = 0.022). Patients with postoperative deterioration of ventricular arrhythmia had preoperatively significantly lower values of TP, HF and LF (P = 0.024–0.043) and postoperatively significantly higher values on the low fractal dimension index (P = 0.031) than patients with postoperative improvement of arrhythmia. CONCLUSION: Patients experiencing postoperative deterioration of ventricular arrhythmia already have impaired autonomic regulation before surgery. Higher postoperative values on the low fractal dimension index indicate that sympathetic predominance with or without concomitant vagal withdrawal is the underlying neurogenic mechanism contributing to ventricular arrhythmia.

BACKGROUND Advanced nonlinear methods of measuring heart rate variability (HRV) derived from the mathematics of complex dynamics and fractal geometry have provided new insights into the abnormalities of heart rate behavior in various pathologic conditions. These methods have provided additional prognostic information compared with traditional HRV measures and clearly have complemented the conventional linear methods. Knowledge about the behavior of complex cardiac dynamics indices after different cardiac procedures is very limited, however. We aimed to clarify how nonlinear heart rate dynamics are affected by beating-heart revascularization (off-pump coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] surgery) within the first week after the procedure. METHODS Included in the study were 66 patients who had isolated stable multivessel coronary artery disease and were in normal sinus rhythm. The patients were on chronic beta-blocker therapy and were scheduled for off-pump CABG. We performed 15-minute high-resolution electrocardiographic recordings preoperatively and on the third and seventh postoperative days to assess linear and nonlinear heart rate dynamics. Frequency-domain measurements, detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) with short-term ( 11 beats, alpha2) correlation properties of RR-intervals, and fractal dimension (FD) measurements (average, high, and low) were made. Arrhythmia was monitored preoperatively with 24-hour Holter recordings, postoperatively by continuous monitoring for the first 4 days after the procedure, and subsequently by clinical monitoring; 24-hour Holter recordings were obtained again on the seventh postoperative day. We used the paired-samples Student t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Fisher exact test for statistical analyses. Differences in arrhythmia occurrence before and after the procedure were tested with the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the McNemar test. A P level < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Values for all frequency-domain parameters decreased significantly after off-pump CABG (P< .001). Values for the alpha1 and high FD parameters decreased significantly after the procedure (P= .028 and .001, respectively), whereas alpha2 increased significantly (P= .023). DFA alpha1 was significantly lower in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation than in patients remaining in sinus rhythm (mean +/- SD, 0.79+/-0.32 versus 1.13+/-0.45 [P= .003] on the third postoperative day; 0.89+/-0.31 versus 1.22+/-0.34 [P< .001] on the seventh postoperative day), whereas low and average FDs were significantly higher (1.84+/-0.16 versus 1.68+/-0.19 [P= .003] on the third postoperative day and 1.77+/-0.18 versus 1.66+/-0.17 [P= .01] on the seventh postoperative day for the low FD; 1.83+/-0.09 versus 1.76+/-0.10 [P= .011] on the third postoperative day and 1.80+/-0.11 versus 1.73+/-0.10 [P= .014] on the seventh postoperative day for the average FD). The low FD was significantly higher on the third postoperative day in patients with postoperative deterioration of ventricular ectopy than in patients with improved ventricular ectopy (1.74+/-0.17 versus 1.48+/-0.08, [P= .03]). CONCLUSION The decreases in alpha1, average FD, and high FD indicate that a profound decay of cardiac complexity and fractal correlation can be observed after off-pump CABG. Furthermore, a more extensive impairment of nonlinear indices was observed in patients who developed postoperative arrhythmias than in those who remained in stable sinus rhythm. Our findings suggest that the postoperative hyperadrenergic setting acts as a preliminary condition in which both reduced and enhanced vagal activity may predispose patients to arrhythmia, indicating that postoperative rhythm disturbances are an end point associated with divergent autonomic substrates.

Non-linear analyses of heart rate dynamics reveal subtle changes not evident from conventional heart rate variability measures. Traditionally, the information was inferred from 24-hour ECG recordings, making it less suitable for clinical application. Moreover, only few studies have attempted to evaluate the reliability of non-linear analyses in relation to varying proportion of artifacts in tracings. In 67 patients revascularized with beating-heart technique, fractal dimension and detrended fluctuation analyses were obtained from 24-hour Holter and 15-minute high-resolution ECG recordings pre and postoperatively. We found strong correlations of non-linear indices between 24-hour and 15-minute recordings (0.54-0.77, p

Objective Surgical pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) blocks trigger stimulation from PVs and partially disconnects the atria from sympathetic and parasympathetic neural stimulation. This study describes long-term changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and autonomic activity (AA) after successful bipolar radiofrequency PVI. Methods Twenty-seven patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and successful (defined as stable sinus rhythm for 1 year) off-pump bipolar radiofrequency PVI for PAF were prospectively followed 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery including 24 hours Holter electrocardiogram. The following HRV and AA parameters were calculated: mean NN-interval, SD of NN-intervals, SD of averaged NN-intervals, root mean square of successive differences, low frequency (LF) power (0.04–0.15 Hz; a parameter specific for sympathetic activity), high frequency (HF) power (0.15–0.4 Hz; a parameter specific for parasympathetic activity), and the LF:HF ratio. Results Preoperatively, high HRV and AA parameters were recorded. In 3-, 6-, and 12-month time, a progressive reduction of HRV and AA was observed, reaching significance after 12 months. Respective rates before surgery and 12 months after it were: for SD of averaged NN-intervals (122.4 ± 113; 80.5 ± 42 milliseconds; P = 0.046), for root mean square of successive differences (79.2 ± 93; 45 ± 20 milliseconds; P = 0.04). The LF:HF ratios were 1.22 and 0.73 before and 12 months after surgery, respectively. The statistically significant continuous reduction in LF:HF ratio (P = 0.02) is suggestive of a progressive parasympathetic dominance 12 months after surgery. Conclusions Successful PVI for PAF results in HRV and sympathetic activity reduction with preoperative sympathetic dominance and oncoming vagal dominance after 1 year from surgery. Despite preoperative sympathetic dominance, successful PVI for PAF results in HRV and a reduction in sympathetic activity with emerging parasympathetic dominance 12 months after surgery.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases long-term mortality and stroke rate in patients having coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Because oral anticoagulation (OAC) is associated with both a significant incidence of discontinuation and well known complication rates, left atrial appendage occlusion might be beneficial for stroke prevention. This study presents the first clinical and practical comparison of two epicardial left appendage occluders (LAAO) accruing experience in application during off-pump coronary revascularisation in patients with persistent AF.Fifteen consecutive patients with persistent AF were assigned to intraoperative LAA occlusion with either TigerPaw System II (n = 8) or AtriClip (n = 7) device during off-pump CABG and concomitant left atrial epicardial ablation. Both systems were analysed in terms of ease and safety of application along with intraoperative LAA occlusion success.Surgical risk was increased in the study population (mean EuroScore II: 3.2 ± 0.3%). In all patients in the AtriClip group successful off-pump LAA occlusion confirmed by intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography was achieved. The TigerPaw application was quicker and easier, but in 2 patients it was unsuccessful. During the hospital stay there were no bleeding or thromboembolic events recorded.In a pilot cohort epicardial LAAO during off-pump CABG in patients with persistent AF was performed safely and successfully with an AtriClip device. The TigerPaw System requires technological improvement. It might be useful to adapt the use of the type of occluding device to the LAA morphologic type and target revascularisation vessels to avoid the additional use of a heart positioner or obviate coronary compression.Migotanie przedsionków (MP) jest związane z długoterminową wyższą śmiertelnością i wyższym ryzykiem udaru także u pacjentów kierowanych do chirurgicznej rewaskularyzacji serca. Ze względu na odsetek komplikacji i zaprzestania terapii doustnymi antykoagulantami chirurgiczne zamknięcie uszka lewego przedsionka (ULP) może się przyczynić do redukcji ryzyka udaru mózgu w tej populacji. W badaniu zaprezentowano pierwsze kliniczne i praktyczne porównanie wczesnej skuteczności oraz bezpieczeństwa zastosowania dwóch typów epikardialnych okluderów ULP stosowanych u chorych z przetrwałym MP podczas operacji pomostowania tętnic wieńcowych bez zastosowania krążenia pozaustrojowego.Do badania włączono 15 kolejnych pacjentów z przetrwałym MP, u których podczas połączonej operacji pomostowania tętnic wieńcowych i epikardialnej ablacji lewego przedsionka naprzemiennie stosowano dwa typy okluderów (TigerPaw System II lub AtriClip). Oba systemy analizowano pod kątem bezpieczeństwa i skuteczności wczesnej.W całej badanej populacji stwierdzono podwyższone ryzyko operacyjne (średni EuroScore II: 3,2 ± 0,3%). U wszystkich pacjentów w grupie AtriClip przeprowadzono skuteczne, potwierdzone przezprzełykowym badaniem echokardiograficznym zamknięcie ULP. W grupie TigerPaw aplikacja okludera była szybsza i łatwiejsza technicznie, ale u dwóch pacjentów nieskuteczna. W okresie wewnątrzszpitalnym w badanej grupie nie wystąpiły zgon, incydent zakrzepowo-zatorowy, zawał serca ani konieczność reoperacji.Epikardialne zamknięcie ULP podczas operacji na tętnicach wieńcowych bez zastosowania krążenia pozaustrojowego zostało przeprowadzone w sposób prosty, bezpieczny i skuteczny w grupie pilotażowej z zastosowaniem okludera AtriClip. Niemniej system TigerPaw wymaga udoskonalenia technologicznego. Procedura może być uproszczona dzięki doborowi typu zastosowanego okludera do morfologii ULP oraz zakresu przeprowadzanej rewaskularyzacji.

We describe a case of delayed pulmonary artery perforation with the anchoring hooks of the Amplazer Cardiac Plug (ACP) (St Jude Medical, MN), which occurred 17 days after its proper and uncomplicated implantation. The patient was successfully treated with a surgical procedure. Technologic improvement of the ACP anchoring system seems to be most rational solution necessary to eliminate the risk of the adverse event described here.

Background The aim of the study is to report on a new technique for applying the eSVS Mesh (Kips Bay Medical, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States), an external saphenous vein support system, without the use of fibrin sealant. Methods The mesh covers the entire body of the graft with the exception of both anastomoses. Fibrin sealant was not used to fix the mesh. Two patients underwent surgery using this preparation. Evaluation At 4 weeks, computed tomographic angiography revealed no signs of mesh compression at either anastomotic area. The proximal anastomosis inflow diameter was greater than the diameter of the mesh-supported body of the graft. Conclusion This technique successfully eliminates the need for the use of sealant and supports favorable anastomotic geometry.

We report case of 58-year-old male patient with severe mitral insufficiency in whom in preoperative angiography anomalous left anterior descending coronary artery arising from pulmonary artery was revealed. Patient successfully underwent mitral valve replacement, ligation and bypass of left anterior descending artery. Eighteen months after surgery control exercise echocardiography and angiography were performed to evaluate coronary flow, valve prosthesis and left ventricle function.

Objective: Antiplatelet therapy is a class I indication in perioperative care after coronary artery bypass grafting to prevent graft occlusion. We sought to determine whether continuation of aspirin until surgery day suppresses platelet activity in the early period after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Material and methods: Forty-two patients at mean age of 62.5 (7.9) years were included. Average risk rate (EuroScore logistic) was 2.2 (1.7) %. In all patients collagen/epinephrine stimulatedplatelet plug formation(closure time, CT) (CEPI-CT, s) using a platelet function analyzer (PFA-100), troponin I (TnI), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), STsegment elevation were evaluated a day before surgery, 4 h after chest closure,24and 120 h after surgery.Results: Preoperative mean CEPI-CTwas 224.8(79.7) s. In 13(30%) patientsaspirinresistance (CEPI-CT < 163 s.) was observed. In 4, 24 and 120 h time points CEPI-CTwas significantly reduced: 164.4 (79), 168.5 (83.3) and 167.5 (80.4), respectively (p < 0,001). TnI and CK-MB (ng/ml) levels raised in respective time points: 4 h (0.26 range 4; 1.9 range 6), 24 h (0.2 range 6; 2.6 range 8), 120 h (0.04 range 2; 0.6 range 5). STsegment elevation (mV) changed in time: 4 h (0.7 range 3.5), 48 h (0.7 range 2.8) and 120 h after surgery (0.2 range 1.5). There were no significant correlations between CEPI-CTand TnI, CK-MB, STsegment elevation found. Conclusion: Aspirin therapy continued until surgery day does not protect against acute platelet activation in patients after OPCAB. # 2008 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) evolves to less invasive, safer and technically easier procedures mostly due to the electrophysiological studies, technological progress and creativeness in ablation systems construction. We present first clinical experience, mid- and long-term results of AF treatment with new liquid nitrogen cryothermy device for endocardial application. In 26 patients we have proved the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of liquid nitrogen cryocatheter ablation reaching more than 70% of sinus rhythm rate in long follow-up from 3 up to 24 months.

Purpose We evaluated the use of a novel irrigated bipolar radiofrequency system for the treatment of nonmitral paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Description Between December 2003 and July 2005, 24 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent nonmitral cardiac procedures (coronary artery bypass grafting, n=14; aortic valve replacement, n=6; aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting, n=3; Bentall procedure, n=1). In 12 of 14 of the coronary artery bypass graft patients, the procedure was performed off pump. All patients additionally underwent pulmonary vein isolation using the Medtronic Cardioblate BP system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). Acute conduction block was evaluated in 16 patients. Evaluation Patients were followed-up for 6 months. Major adverse events include 1 patient death and 1 patient requiring implantation of a pacemaker. At discharge 19 of 22 patients (86.3%) were in stable sinus rhythm. After 3 months, stable sinus rhythm was found in 15 of 21 patients (71%). After 6 months, 15 of 15 patients (100%) were in stable sinus rhythm. Complete conduction block was accomplished in 29 of 32 pulmonary vein pairs (91%) after a single radiofrequency ablation and in 31 of 32 pairs (97%) after a second application. Conclusions Pulmonary vein isolation with the use of this irrigated bipolar radiofrequency device is feasible, safe, and gains high experimental and clinical efficacy, including use during off-pump surgery.