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Objective: A newly developed neonatal and infant oxygenator with a nonheparin biocompatible polymer coating, low priming volume (43 mL), high oxygen transfer, wide operating range (<1.5 L/min) and low pressure drop represents a promising solution for cardiac surgery in neonates and infants. We compared the new CAPIOX® Baby RX, Terumo (BRX) with two commonly used neonatal oxygenators: Dideco Lilliput 1 (DL1) and Polystan Safe Micro (PSM) in a piglet model. Methods: Fifteen piglets (5.6 ± 1.3 kg) were placed on standardized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for 6 hours using one of the three oxygenators (n = 5 in each group). After 120 min, the system was cooled to 25°C for 60 min and then returned to normothermia. Arterial and venous blood gas data and temperature were recorded continuously by a CDI500 System (Terumo). Pressure drop, FiO2 and gas flow were recorded. Blood samples were taken before CBP, after 10 min, before and after cooling, and at the end. Total blood counts, thrombin-antithrombin complex and plasma-free haemoglobin (PfHb) were measured. Results: All oxygenators showed acceptable performance for the duration of CPB. The BRX had lower mean gas flow (0.33 ± 0.05 L/min) and FiO2 (0.43 ± 0.02%) throughout CPB than the DL1 (1.14 ± 0.25 L/min, p = 0.006 and 0.60 ± 0.02%, p = 0.009, respectively) or the PSM (1.47 ± 0.87 L/min and 0.54 ± 0.08%, p = ns). Pressure drop in the BRX group ranged from 12 to 22 mmHg. This was significantly lower than in the DL1 group (39 – 65 mmHg, p = 0.005). In the PSM group, values ranged between 24 and 33 mmHg (p = ns). The increase in PfHb at six hours was significantly lower in the BRX (11.3 ± 4.2 ng/dL) versus the DL1 (42.2 ± 6.1 ng/dL, p = 0.004) and the PSM (56.7 ± 15.5 ng/dL, p = 0.045). Conclusions: The BRX is as safe as the DL1 and the PSM, with superior performance in pressure drop, efficient blood gas management and lower haemolysis. The BRX exhibited the lowest prime, hold-up volume and breakthrough time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Even though results have been encouraging, an unequivocal conclusion on the beneficial effect of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) in patients undergoing aortic valve surgery cannot be derived from previous publications. Long-term outcomes are rarely reported and a significant decrease in operative mortality has not been shown. Most studies have a limited number of patients and are underpowered. They merely report on short-term results of a heterogeneous intraoperative group using different types of ECC system in aortic valve surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine whether MiECC systems are more beneficial than conventional extracorporeal systems (CECC) with regard to mortality, hospital stay and inflammation and with only haemodilution and blood-air interface as differences., Methods: We retrospectively analysed data regarding mortality, hospital stay and inflammation in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve surgery. Forty patients were divided into two groups based on the type of extracorporeal system used; conventional (n=20) or MiECC (n=20)., Results: Perioperative blood product requirements were significantly lower in the MiECC group (MiECC: 0.2±0.5 units vs CECC: 0.9±1.2 units, p=0.004). No differences were seen postoperatively regarding mortality (5% vs 5%, p=0.99), total length of hospital stay (10.6±7.2 days (MiECC) vs 12.1±5.9 days (CECC), p=0.39) or inflammation markers (CRP: MiECC: 7.09±13.62 mg/L vs CECC: 3.4±3.2 mg/L, p=0.89)., Conclusion: MiECC provides circulatory support that is equally safe and feasible as conventional extracorporeal circuits. No differences in mortality, hospital stay or inflammation markers were observed.

Background: This study assessed whether autologous transplantation of cardiac atrial appendage stem cells (CASCs) preserves cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI) in a minipig model., Methods and Results: CASCs were isolated from right atrial appendages of Göttingen minipigs based on high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and expanded. MI was induced by a 2h snare ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Upon reperfusion, CASCs were intramyocardially injected under NOGA guidance (MI-CASC, n=10). Non-transplanted pigs (MI, n=8) received sham treatment. 3D electromechanical mapping (EMM) and cardiac MRI were performed to assess left ventricular (LV) function. MI pigs developed LV dilatation at 2 months (2M), while in the MI-CASC group volumes remained stable. Global LV ejection fraction decreased by 16 ± 8% in MI animals vs 3 ± 10% in MI-CASC animals and regional wall thickening in border areas was better preserved in the MI-CASC group. EMM showed decreased viability and wall motion in the LV for both groups POST-MI, whereas at 2M these parameters only improved in the MI-CASC. Substantial cell retention was accompanied by cardiomyogenic differentiation in 98±1% of the transplanted CASCs, which functionally integrated. Second harmonic generation microscopy confirmed the formation of mature sarcomeres in transplanted CASCs. Absence of cardiac arrhythmias indicated the safety of CASC transplantation., Conclusion: CASCs preserve cardiac function by extensive engraftment and cardiomyogenic differentiation. Our data indicate the enormous potential of CASCs in myocardial repair., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We investigated the survival of patients who had undergone elective reconstruction of the ascending aorta for degenerative aneurysms. The long-term survival was compared to an age- and sex-matched case-control population. An analysis of risk factors, influencing survival was made., Methods and Results: From May 1998 to January 2012, 72 patients underwent elective reconstruction of the ascending aorta for degenerative disease at the department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of the Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium. Sixty patients were treated with Bentall procedures, whereas 12 received valve-sparing procedures. The average age of the patient group was 65.5 years (range 24-80), with 64% males. Thirty-day mortality was 9.7% (consistent with calculated Euroscore II: 9.2%). The long-term survival was 80.9% at 3, 5 and 10 years. No deaths occurred between 3 and 10 years postoperatively. In an age- and sex case-matched Belgian population, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival were 95.7%, 94.7% and 85.2%, respectively. Long-term survival was not significantly different between both groups. Poor NYHA class at the time of surgery (P = 0.041) and COPD (P = 0.028) had a significant impact on global survival. Valve-sparing operations provide similar long-term survival, avoiding thrombo-embolic complications., Conclusions: Reconstruction of the ascending aorta for degenerative aneurysmal disease restores normal life expectancy, compared with an age- and sex-matched case-control population. Early mortality is consistent with the Euroscore II risk calculation. Whereas late survival progressively declines in the average population, it remains constant in the treated group after 3 years. COPD and poor functional class significantly impair survival. Valve-sparing procedures confer a similar long-term survival as valve replacement.

Aims: Considerable shortcomings in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) still exist and therefore mortality remains high. Cardiac stem cell (CSC) therapy is a promising approach for myocardial repair. However, identification and isolation of candidate CSCs is mainly based on the presence or absence of certain cell surface markers, which suffers from some drawbacks. In order to find a more specific and reliable identification and isolation method, we investigated whether CSCs can be isolated based on the high expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)., Methods and Results: An ALDH(+) stem cell population, the cardiac atrial appendage stem cells (CASCs), was isolated from human atrial appendages. CASCs possess a unique phenotype that is clearly different from c-kit(+) CSCs but that seems more related to the recently described cardiac colony-forming-unit fibroblasts. Based on immunophenotype and in vitro differentiation studies, we suggest that CASCs are an intrinsic stem cell population and are not mobilized from bone marrow or peripheral blood. Indeed, they possess a clonogenicity of 16% and express pluripotency-associated genes. Furthermore, compared with cardiosphere-derived cells, CASCs possess an enhanced cardiac differentiation capacity. Indeed, differentiated cells express the most important cardiac-specific genes, produce troponin T proteins, and have an electrophysiological behaviour similar to that of adult cardiomyocytes (CMs). Transplanting CASCs in the minipig MI model resulted in extensive cardiomyogenic differentiation without teratoma formation., Conclusion: We have identified a new human CSC population able to differentiate into functional CMs. This opens interesting perspectives for cell therapy in patients with ischaemic heart disease.

In the past, clinical trials transplanting bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells reported a limited improvement in cardiac function. Therefore, the search for stem cells leading to more successful stem cell therapies continues. Good candidates are the so-called cardiac stem cells (CSCs). To date, there is no clear evidence to show if these cells are intrinsic stem cells from the heart or mobilized cells from bone marrow. In this study we performed a comparative study between human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), purified c-kit(+) CSCs, and cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs). Our results showed that hMSCs can be discriminated from CSCs by their differentiation capacity towards adipocytes and osteocytes and the expression of CD140b. On the other hand, cardiac progenitors display a greater cardiomyogenic differentiation capacity. Despite a different isolation protocol, no distinction could be made between c-kit(+) CSCs and CDCs, indicating that they probably derive from the same precursor or even are the same cells.

Background Aims: This study investigated whether neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM), when co-cultured, can induce transdifferentiation of either human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) or hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) into cardiomyocytes. Stem cells were obtained from patients with ischemic heart disease., Methods: Ex vivo-expanded MSC or freshly isolated HSC were used to set-up a co-culture system between NRCM and MSC or HSC. 5-azacytidin (5-aza) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was used as differentiation-inducing factor. Co-cultured stem cells were separated from NRCM by flow sorting, and cardiac gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Cellular morphology was analyzed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)., Results: Co-culturing MSC induced expression of troponin T and GATA-4. However, no expression of alpha-actinin, myosin heavy chain or troponin I was detected. In the case of HSC, only expression of troponin T could be induced. Immunofluorescence and TEM confirmed the absence of sarcomeric organization in co-cultured MSC and HSC. Adding 5-aza or DMSO to the co-cultures did not influence differentiation., Conclusions: This in vitro co-culture study obtained no convincing evidence of transdifferentiation of either MSC or HSC into functional cardiomyocytes. Nevertheless, induction of troponin T was observed in MSC and HSC, and GATA-4 in MSC. However, no morphologic changes could be detected by immunofluorescence or by TEM. These data could explain why only limited functional improvement was reported in clinical stem cell trials.

Primary cardiac lymphoma is a very rare tumor which commonly affects the right atrium, although any chamber may be affected. Over the past few decades, the incidence of the lesion has increased, due mainly to growing numbers of immunocompromised patients, either HIV-related or iatrogenic. Because of this rapid evolution, the situation represents an oncologic emergency, and therefore early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Although MRI is the most sensitive modality, open biopsy remains the 'gold standard' for reaching the diagnosis. However, the overall prognosis is poor. Herein is presented a case of a large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving only the aortic valve.

Objective: Early survival in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) patients is reported to be as good as that of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, it remains unknown whether midterm cardiac outcome after off-pump surgery is similar to that for the on-pump procedure., Methods and Results: One hundred OPCAB patients (67.8 (9.3) y) were compared to a case-matched contemporary group of CABG patients (69.4 (8.8) y). In-hospital and midterm outcome data are presented. Follow-up was 100% complete. The mean number of distal anastomoses per patient was 1.9 (0.8) and 2.4 (1.0) in the OPCAB and CABG group, respectively. Grafting according to treatment plan was 100% in both groups. Peak creatine kinase muscle-brain and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release were similar in the overall groups, but the cTnI release in the 25 most recently operated patients was significantly lower in the OPCAB group (4.8 (9.1) ng/ml vs. 14.0 (20.5) ng/ml, p = 0.04). Duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and hospital stay were shorter in the OPCAB group. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was similar. There were no differences in in-hospital complications. The actuarial survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 88% (C.I. 81.6 to 94.3), 78% (C.I. 66.1 to 90.2) and 78% (C.I. 66.1 to 90.2) in the OPCAB and 90% (C.I. 84.0 to 95.9), 84% (C.I. 74.6 to 92.5) and 68% (C.I. 44.7 to 90.6) in the CABG group (log rank p-value = 0.96). Event-free survival at 1, 3, 5 years was 85% (C.I. 77.8 to 91.9), 71 % (C.I. 57.4 to 84.2) and 71 % (C.I. 57.4 to 84.2) in the OPCAB and 85% (C.I. 77.8 to 91.9), 72% (C.I. 61.1 to 82.7) and 58% (C.I. 37.2 to 78.8) in the CABG group (log rank p-value = 0.63). Recurrence of angina (3%) and need for reintervention (2%) in the OPCAB group were low., Conclusions: OPCAB surgery is a safe and reproducible technique, yielding short-and midterm outcomes comparable to conventional CABG.

A toddler, age 2, presented with a penetrating cardiac trauma caused by a fall on a pencil. This case showed a normal echocardiography. However, during removal of the pencil, signs of cardiac tamponade were noticeable. Thus, a normal echocardiography is no guarantee to exclude a possible penetrating cardiac injury.

Background: Pericardial adhesions subject patients requiring reoperation to potential injuries to the heart, great vessels, and cardiac grafts during the re-sternotomy. These adhesions can severely complicate re-operations by making re-entry hazardous, impeding orientation and visibility, increasing the amount of blood loss, and prolonging the operation time. The efficacy of an in situ-forming polyethylene glycol (PEG) material, CoSeal surgical sealant (CoSeal), for inhibiting cardiac adhesions in an animal model is reported. It is currently estimated that 10-20% of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) will require a second operation later in their lives. Successful clinical experience using CoSeal for sealing suture lines of the aorta and CABGs with the data reported here suggest that CoSeal may have multiple applications in cardiac surgery., Methods: In rabbits, a sternotomy and pericardiotomy were performed to expose the heart and the epicardium of the left ventricular surface. The epicardium was abraded for five minutes with dry gauze and cotton to develop punctate bleeding. In treated animals, CoSeal(R) or Tissucol(R) was applied directly to the abraded bleeding epicardium while retracting the pericardium. The pericardium was released, and the material over-sprayed to the cut edges of the pericardium. No material was applied in control animals., Results: At necropsy, CoSeal(R) was found to significantly reduce the formation of adhesions, the tenacity of the adhesions, and the percent of the abraded site with adhesions as compared to surgical control and Tissucol. Tissucol showed no significant difference from the surgical control in any adhesion parameter. CoSeal treated hearts showed re-establishment of the mesothelial layer and tissue morphology similar to a normal un-operated heart. During the clinical cardiac procedures, CoSeal was easily mixed and applied to the suture lines of the aorta and coronary artery grafts. No bleeding was found at the suture lines., Conclusions: In the rabbit cardiac adhesion model, CoSeal significantly reduced the formation of adhesions as compared to surgical control and Tissucol, and demonstrated good biocompatibility. In CoSeal treated patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass or vessel repair, sealing was achieved comparable to previous cases using Tissucol fibrin sealant. CoSeal effectively sealed the suture lines of the aorta and coronary artery bypass grafts.

A patient with severe coronary artery disease and leg ischaemia was successfully treated with a combined revascularization procedure. The coronary arteries were bypassed with three vein grafts, and the bilateral femoral arteries were bypassed with a Dacron graft using the ascending aorta as the source of inflow. The patient recovered well and experienced no angina or claudication two years later.

Phytobezoar after partial gastrectomy. An observation on phytobezoar formation after partial gastrectomy, attended by an intestinal obstruction is presented. According to a review of the literature bezoar formation following gastric surgery seems to develop in the stomach after vagotomy, and rather in the small intestine after partial gastrectomy. The etiopathogenesis of this phenomenon is analysed, and the physiopathology, the clinical manifestation, the diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities of this affection are discussed.

Fifty-five obturator bypasses were performed over a 16 year period for limb salvage. The indications for the choice of this technique included arterial infection, aneurysm formation or soft tissue skin loss at the groin (26 patients), and extensive atherosclerotic disease of the iliofemoral vessels, precluding their use for inflow or outflow (27 patients). There were five perioperative deaths and the five-year patency rate was 37%. Long-term results after above-knee reconstruction substantially exceeded those for below-knee anastomoses (three year patency rates of 71% and 45% respectively). Due to its morbidity and mortality the decision to perform an obturator bypass should be based upon sound indications such as deep infection at the groin, or extensive multilevel arterial disease. Its usefulness in extensive multilevel arterial disease is not demonstrated.

In this paper relevant empirical studies of verbal conditioning have been analysed - one of the first examples of the behavior theory of Skinner applied to behavior therapy. Next the verbal conditioning paradigm has been critically evaluated as to: - the formation of a theory, - its consequences to the use of psychological procedures, also in regard to the significance of verbal conditioning in therapy. In conclusion we outlined the advantage of a research strategy that with the aid of categorical observation techniques determines and predicts the transition frequency of verbalizations of the patients as a function of the therapists verbalizations.

The hypothalamus contains two distinct zones which affect the activity of myocardial and vascular muscle. The median ventricular nucleus stimulates the liberation of peripheral catecholamines and, by so stimulating the adrenoreceptors, opens up the slow calcium canals. The resulting stimulation of the myocardial and vascular muscle cells causes tachycardia, and an increase in myocardial contraction and in peripheral resistance. The paraventricular nucleus antagonises these effects by inhibiting peripheral catecholamine secretion so blocking or slowing the passage of Ca++ through the slow calcium canals. The study of effective, active concentration of D 600, a powerful calcium antagonist, shows that the paraventricular nucleus is not a direct calcium antagonist like D 600 whose effects are not potentiated, and confirms that it acts indirectly by inhibiting peripheral noradrenaline secretion.

Electrical stimulation in the area around the ventro-median nuclei of the hypothalamus of the dog produced changes suggestive of ischaemia in the standard bipolar and epicardial leads, principally over the apical, lateral and diaphragmatic walls of the left ventricle. It is suggested that these changes may be the central expression of orthosympathetic stimulation by released catecholamines on the permeability and membrane potentials of the myocardial cells with respect to ions, especially Ca++.

Electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus results in bradycardia and hypotension. A direct transtemporal approach was used to implant an insulated electrode in the site of the third ventricle. The bradycardia and hypotension have been studied previously and have been shown to be due to inhibition of the alpha and beta vascular and myocardiac adrenergic receptors. The effects of this inhibition on the electrical appearances and the mechanical and phonocardiographic parameters of myocardial contractility were observed in this present study. The force and velocity of LV isometric contraction were reduced as shown by reduction in dP/dT, the delay in its peak and the reduction of the angle between the upstroke of ventricular contraction with the base line. The onset of left ventricular ejection was delayed. The high frequency (60 and 140 Hz) components of the first heart sound disappeared, confirming their contribution to the intensity of this sound. The ECG rapid QRS phase and AV conduction time were unchanged, but the slow phase of the T wave became more negative as the depressant effect on the myocardium increased.