Joshua A. Vecht

Radial artery versus saphenous vein conduits for coronary artery bypass surgery: forty years of competition; which conduit offers better patency? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The internal thoracic artery is the most effective conduit for coronary artery bypass surgery; however, most patients have multivessel disease and require additional saphenous vein or radial artery grafts. In this systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, we aim to compare reported patency rates for these conduits and explore if differences are homogeneous across follow-up intervals. A literature search was performed using Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and randomised controlled trial databases to identify studies published between 1965 and October 2009. All studies reporting angiographic comparison of saphenous vein and radial artery conduit patency were included, irrespective of language. The end point was angiographic graft patency stratified over different follow-up intervals. Meta-analysis was performed according to recommendations from the Cochrane Collaboration and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We used a random-effect model and the odds ratio as the summary statistic. A total of 35 studies were identified. They reported early patency (≤ 1 year, 6795 grafts), medium-term patency (1-5 years, 3232 grafts) and long-term patency (>5 years, 1157 grafts). Significant variation of comparative patency existed across different follow-up intervals. Early saphenous vein patency was similar to radial artery patency with odds ratio of 1.04 (95% confidence interval 0.68-1.61). Medium-term saphenous vein patency, however, deteriorated significantly (odds ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.29-3.29). Similarly, long-term patency was better for radial artery conduits (odds ratio 2.28, 95% confidence interval 1.32-3.94). Heterogeneity was due to angiographic patency characteristics and related to risk of bias. In conclusion, the findings of this systematic review of the published literature and meta-analysis support the use of radial artery in preference to saphenous vein conduits for coronary artery bypass surgery.

Effect of Skeletonization of the Internal Thoracic Artery for Coronary Revascularization on the Incidence of Sternal Wound Infection

Use of the internal thoracic artery in coronary revascularization confers excellent benefit. We assessed the impact of skeletonization on the incidence of postoperative sternal wound infection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. We also investigated whether there is an advantage in using this technique when harvesting both internal thoracic arteries in high-risk groups, such as diabetic patients. Skeletonization was associated with beneficial reduction in the odds ratio of sternal wound infection (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.26 to 0.64). This effect was more evident when analyzing diabetic patients undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.34).

Current status of robotic assisted pelvic surgery and future developments.

AIMS The aim of this review is to assess the role of robotics in pelvic surgery in terms of outcomes. We have also highlighted the issues related to training and future development of robotic systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Databases from 1980 to 2009 for systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials, prospective observational studies, retrospective studies and case reports assessing robotic surgery. RESULTS During the last decade, there has been a tremendous rise in the use of robotic surgical systems for all forms of precision operations including pelvic surgery. The short-term results of robotic pelvic surgery in the fields of urology, colorectal surgery and gynaecology have been shown to be comparable to the laparoscopic and open surgery. Robotic surgery offers an opportunity where many of these obstacles encountered during open and laparoscopic surgery can be overcome. CONCLUSIONS Robotic surgery is a continually advancing technology, which has opened new horizons for performing pelvic surgery with precision and accuracy. Although its use is rapidly expanding in all surgical disciplines, particularly in pelvic surgery, further comparative studies are needed to provide robust guidance about the most appropriate application of this technology within the surgical armamentarium.

Do antioxidant vitamins have an anti-arrhythmic effect following cardiac surgery? A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) affects approximately 30% of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. While its pathogenesis is multifactorial, increasing evidence supports a role for oxidative stress in the electrophysiological remodelling associated with AF. Although prophylactic antioxidants appear to be a potentially attractive pharmacotherapy, there is still uncertainty regarding their efficacy. This study aims to provide a quantitative summary of the current evidence surrounding antioxidant vitamins and POAF prevention. Methods A systematic literature review identified five randomised controlled trials incorporating 567 patients (n=284 antioxidant, n=283 control). These were meta-analysed using random effects modelling. Heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, quality scoring and risk of bias were assessed. Primary endpoints were the incidence of POAF and all-cause arrhythmia. Secondary endpoints were length of stay in the intensive care unit (ITU) and length of hospital stay. Results Vitamins C and E significantly reduced the incidence of POAF (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.89) and all-cause arrhythmia (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.99) compared with controls. A significant reduction in both ITU stay (weighted mean difference (WMD) −0.44, 95% CI −0.70 to −0.17) and hospital stay (WMD −1.11, 95% CI −1.70 to −0.52) was also seen in the antioxidant group, without significant heterogeneity. Conclusions The prophylactic use of vitamins C and E may significantly reduce the incidence of POAF and all-cause arrhythmia following cardiac surgery. However, the overall quality of current studies is poor and further research should focus on adequately powered randomised controlled trials that standardise AF reporting, antioxidant protocol and the use of concomitant agents. Cost analysis should be considered to establish the potential economic benefit of antioxidant vitamin prophylaxis in POAF.

Atrial septal defect closure is associated with a reduced prevalence of atrial tachyarrhythmia in the short to medium term: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Atrial tachyarrhythmias are a common complication of atrial septal defects. The objective was to determine the effect of atrial septal defect closure on pre-existing atrial tachyarrhythmias and to investigate if such an effect is present after either surgical or percutaneous closure. Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched between 1967 and 2009. The search was expanded using the ‘related articles’ function and reference lists of key studies. All studies reporting pre- and post- closure incidence (or prevalence) of atrial tachyarrhythmias in the same patient groups were included. Data were independently extracted by two authors according to a pre-defined protocol. Incongruities were settled by consensus decision. Twenty six studies were identified including 1841 patients who underwent surgical closure and 945 who underwent percutaneous closure. Meta-analysis using a random effects model demonstrated a reduction in the prevalence of atrial tachyarrhythmias following atrial septal defect closure [OR = 0.66 (95% CI 0.57-0.77)]. This effect was demonstrated after both percutaneous [OR = 0.49 (95% CI 0.32-0.76)] and surgical closure [OR = 0.72 (95% CI 0.60-0.87)]. Immediate (<30 days) and mid-term (30 days - 5 years) follow-up also demonstrated a reduction in AT prevalence [ORs of 0.80 (95% CI 0.66-0.97) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.36-0.62) respectively]. Atrial septal defect closure, whether surgical or percutaneous, is associated with a reduction in the post-closure prevalence of pre-existing atrial tachyarrhythmias and atrial fibrillation in the short to medium term.

Translation to success of surgical innovation.

Contemporary thoracic and cardiovascular surgery uses extensive equipment and devices to enable its performance. As the specialties develop and new frontiers are crossed, the technology needs to advance in a parallel fashion. Strokes of genius or problem-solving brain-storming may generate great ideas, but the metamorphosis of an idea into a physical functioning tool requires a lot more than just a thinking process. A modern surgical device is the end-point of a sophisticated, complicated and potentially treacherous route, which incorporates new skills and knowledge acquisition. Processes including technology transfer, commercialisation, corporate and product development, intellectual property and regulatory routes all play pivotal roles in this voyage. Many good ideas may fall by the wayside for a multitude of reasons as they may not be marketable or may be badly marketed. In this article, we attempt to illuminate the components required in the process of surgical innovation, which we believe must remain in the remit of the modern-day thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon.

How to manage the left subclavian artery during endovascular stenting of the thoracic aorta

We performed a systematic review of the literature to establish whether revascularisation of the left subclavian territory is necessary when this artery is covered by a stent. We retrieved data from 99 studies incorporating 4906 patients. Incidences of left-arm ischaemia (0.0% vs 9.2%, p=0.002) and stroke (4.7% vs 7.2%, p<0.001) were significantly less following revascularisation, although mortality (10.5% vs 3.4%, p=0.032) and endoleak incidence (25.8% vs 12.6%, p=0.008) were increased. No significant differences in spinal-cord ischaemia were seen. Revascularisation may reduce downstream ischaemic complications but can cause significant risk. Indications must be carefully considered on an individual patient basis.

Surgeons produce innovative ideas which are frequently lost in the labyrinth of patents.

Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery are innovative specialties that regularly recruit the latest technological developments into their armoury of devices and equipment. The introduction of new technology is dependant on patents; an important but single component of intellectual property. Patents enable the attribution of rights to concepts, ideas and inventions and this facilitates ownership, subsequent licensing and overall management of innovation and its outcome. It is not just thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, but the healthcare world in general that experiences ongoing technological evolution; so to remain contemporary, it is important that those in positions of responsibility are familiar with the relevant processes. This requires basic medico-legal knowledge and may be entwined with significant financial responsibility. Penetrating clinical, academic and industrial environments, informed awareness of patents also contributes to important leadership skills, encouraging the incorporation of innovation into the professional milieu. We aim to present through this manuscript an overview of these issues in order to promote awareness of patents within thoracic and cardiovascular surgery using a descriptive and practical approach.