Kemal Korkmaz

Protective effect of heparin in the end organ ischemia/reperfusion injury of the lungs and heart

BackgroundIschemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is harmful to the cardiovascular system and is responsible for the inflammatory response and multiple organ dysfunctions. In this study we investigated the effect of activated clotting time level on the aortic cross-clamping triggers a systemic inflammatory response and it effects to lungs and heart.MethodsEnd organ concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) were determined in four groups of Spraque Dawley rats: ischemic control (operation with cross clamping received IP of 0.9% saline at 2 ml/kg n=7) Sham (operation without cross clamping, n=7), heparin (ACT level about 200), High dose heparin (ACT level up to 600) The infrarenal aorta was clamped for 45 minutes by a mini cross clamp approximately 1cm below the renal artery and 1cm iliac bifurcation in all groups without sham group. Heparin was given intraperitoneal (IP) before the procedure. All rats were sacrificed 48 h later. In a second experiment, the effects of I/R on remote organs (lungs and heart) were harvested for analysis. We evaluated tissue levels of myeloperoxidase, interleukin-6, and heat shock protein (HSP-70) were analyzed as markers oxidative stress and inflammation. Histological analyses of the organs were performed.ResultsThe lungs paranchymal MPO and HSP-70 levels significantly decreased (p<0.05), but IL-6 level was not significant (p>0.05) in heparinized and high dose heparinized groups when compared to ischemic control group. Histopathological evaluation as edema, cell degeneration, inflammation statistically significantly decreased in both group heparinized and high dose heparinized compared with ischemic control group (p<0.05). The heart paranchymal MPO levels significantly decreased in heparinized and high dose heparinized groups when compared to ischemic control group (p=0.023). IL-6, HSP-70 levels were not significant heparinized and high dose heparinized groups when compared to ischemic control group (p=0.0489, p=0.0143). Histopathological evaluation as degeneration statistically significantly decreased in both group heparinized and High dose heparinized compared with ischemic control group (p=0.005).ConclusionHeparin decreased remote organs injury on the lung and heart after ischemia/reperfusion of infra-renal section of the body in the rat model. So, we should be balance to act level for avoid to I/R injury per operative and early post operative period as providing ACT level nearly 200.

Protective effect of ambroxol on pulmonary function after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: To evaluate whether ambroxol administered orally during the perioperative period has a protective effect against postoperative pulmonary dysfunction in on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: Fifty younger patients without known pulmonary disease were randomly assigned into 2 groups. In ambroxol group (n = 25), patients were given ambroxol for a week before and after the elective coronary artery bypass grafting. In control group (n = 25), placebo was given. Groups were compared with respect to pulmonary function tests (PFTs), lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, arterial blood gases, and incidence of perioperative morbidity. PFTs were performed before medication and repeated on the postoperative seventh day. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained just before cardiopulmonary bypass and within the first postoperative hour. Room air arterial blood gases were checked before and 2 days after the operation. Results: Postoperative lecithin/sphingomyelins were significantly lower than the preoperative values in both groups, but differences between the groups in either preoperative or postoperative measurements were not significant. Although preoperative PaO2 in both groups was similar, it was significantly lower in control group on postoperative second day (62.4 ± 7.1 vs. 55.2 ± 6.4 mm Hg, P < 0.05). In either groups, postoperative forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second were significantly lower than preoperative values with a more prominent decrease in control group. Perioperative morbidity was similar. Conclusions: In on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, ambroxol improves postoperative PFTs and PaO2 levels without any significant clinical implication, and it exerts these effects possibly in ways other than surfactant modulation.

tumescentless endovenous radiofrequency ablation with local hypothermia and compression technique

Introduction Modern surgical management of chronic venous insufficiency is possible since the development of catheter-based minimally invasive techniques, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the application of colour Doppler sonography. RFA technology requires the use of tumescent anaesthesia, which prolongs the operating time. Instilling tumescent anaesthesia percutaneously below the saphenous fascia is the steepest part of the learning curve. In our study, we compared operative and postoperative results of tumescentless RFA and RFA with tumescent anaesthesia, to investigate the necessity of tumescent anaesthesia. Methods A total of 344 patients with Doppler-confirmed great saphenous vein insufficiency underwent RFA between January and December 2012. Patients were divided into two groups according to anaesthetic management. Group 1 consisted of 172 patients: tumescent anaesthesia was given before the ablation procedure, and group 2 contained 172 patients: a local hypothermia and compression technique was used; no tumescent anaesthesia was administered. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used and ecchymosis scores of the patients were recorded. Clinical examinations were performed at each visit and Doppler ultrasonography was performed in the first and sixth month. Results Mean ablation time was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 (7.2 vs 18.9 min; p < 0.05). Skin burn and paresthesia did not occur. The immediate occlusion rate was 100% for both groups. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of VAS and ecchymosis scores. All patients returned to normal activity within two days. The primary closure rate of group 1 was 98.2% and group 2 was 98.8% at six months, and there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Eliminating tumescent infusion is a desirable goal. Tumescentless endovenous RFA with local hypothermia and compression technique appears to be safe and efficacious. Our technique shortens the operation time and prevents patient procedural discomfort.

Transventricular mitral valve repair in patients with acute forms of ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Transventricular mitral valve surgery combined with left ventricular restoration avoids atriotomy and provides a larger operative field. We describe a series of 5 patients in whom we performed transventricular mitral valve repair by various techniques, such as band annuloplasty, papillary muscle reattachment, chordal cutting, and edge-to-edge repair. The more acute forms of ischemic mitral regurgitation, as found in our patients, can coexist with post-myocardial infarction contained rupture or post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture. Because these patients already have an indication for ventriculotomy, concomitant transventricular repair of the mitral valve can render a separate atriotomy unnecessary and thereby shorten the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass. Moreover, in patients with acute presentations, the absence of atrial dilation (this last associated with chronic cases) might make transventricular repair a better choice than the more difficult atrial approach.

Application of radiofrequency ablation procedure on a morbidly obese patient with a venous ulcer and large saphenous vein.

Venous ulcers that occur due to chronic venous insufficiency are seen on the upper medial malleol of the ankle. Treatment of venous ulcers is protracted and generally the success rate is low. Co-morbid factors play an important role in the success of treatment of venous ulcers. In this case report, we demonstrate successful venous ulcer treatment in a morbidly obese patient with co-morbid conditions.

Effect of Montelukast on Spinal Cord Ischemia- Reperfusion Injury.

AIM Paraplegia due to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the spinal cord is a devastating complication of thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. Cysteinyl leukotrienes are potent mediators of inflammation that are associated with I/R injury. The present study was designed to investigate the role of montelukast, a selective reversible CysLT1 receptor antagonist, on spinal cord I/R injury in an experimental model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=7 per group) as G1 (no aortic occlusion and montelukast administration), G2 (45 min. aortic occlusion; no montelukast administration) and G3 (45 min. aortic occlusion, 10 mg/kg montelukast administration). After neurologic evaluation using the Motor Deficit Index (MDI) score at the 48th hour of reperfusion, lumbar spinal cords were removed for histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemical staining for HSP70, interleukin-6 and myeloperoxidase (MPO). RESULTS All rats in the G1 group had a normal neurological status and their MDI score was 0 (p < 0.05). The MDI score of G3 was significantly lower than G2 group (2.8 vs. 5.5; p < 0.05). Vacuolar congestion was found to be significantly lower in G1 than the other groups (p=0.0001). The interleukin-6 receptor level was found to be significantly lower in G3 group than the control group (p=0.013). There was no statistically significant difference found among the groups in terms of the degree of HSP70 and MPO staining. CONCLUSION Increased generation of leukotrienes in postischemic organs play an important role in I/R injury. The findings of the current study demonstrated that montelukast improved motor recovery and decreased IL-6 levels in spinal cord I/R injury.

Surgical treatment of post-infarct left ventricular pseudo-aneurysm with on-pump beating heart technique : online article - case report

Left ventricular pseudo-aneurysms develop when cardiac rupture is contained by pericardial adhesions or scar tissue due to myocardial infarction, surgery, trauma or infection. Left ventricular pseudo-aneurysms are uncommon, difficult to diagnose and prone to cardiac rupture. Urgent surgical repair is recommended. Here we report on a case of a large left ventricular pseudo-aneurysm on the anterolateral wall due to a previous anterior myocardial infarction, and its successful repair using the on-pump beating-heart technique.

Repair of mitral paravalvular leak with double left atrial wall folding.

Mitral paravalvular leaks can be repaired by alternative repair techniques instead of direct suture repair of the leak site. We report our technique of double left atrial wall folding for repair of posterior mitral paravalvular leaks.

Radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein in an elderly patient with co-morbid disease : online article - case report

An 86-year-old male patient with hypertension, Parkinsonism, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cataract and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had a history of coronary bypass surgery in two veins due to anterior myocardial infarction one year earlier. He presented with pain and feelings of paresthesia below the knee of his left leg, and had fallen twice. He had used compressions and venoprotective medication for two years and had also received physiotherapy but it had not alleviated the symptoms. He had varicose dilatations in the left leg and pigmentation and a recovered venous ulcer scar were present on the medial malleolus. The patient was classed as grade 4 according to the CEAP classification. Because there was no deficiency in the superficial femoral and popliteal veins, the patient was taken for endovenous ablation. He had no pain or sensation of heaviness in the legs on postoperative day 10, and the first, third and sixth months of check up. Endovenous ablation is a procedure that increases the quality of life and comfort in elderly patients, with minimal pain. Radiofrequency catheter procedures have proven to be more successful in patients of all age groups than procedures such as standard surgery and foam therapy.

Alterations in pulmonary artery pressure following mitral valve replacement

OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the early postoperative hemodynamics and clinical aspects in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) due to isolated mitral valve stenosis. STUDY DESIGN Fifty patients (33 women, 17 men; mean age 45.8±11.2) were divided into two groups according to mean PAP levels (PAP <50 mmHg as Group I and PAP >50 mmHg as Group II). PAP and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) values were recorded using Swan-Ganz catheter just before the surgery in the operation theatre. These measurements were repeated after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, at 1, 12 and 24 hours. Intubation period in the intensive care unit, need for inotropic agents in the pre-and postoperative course, and mortality and morbidity data were also evaluated. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to measure PAP at the postoperative 24th hour and at the 2nd month after the surgery. RESULTS Mean PAP decreased significantly in both groups compared with basal levels. The regression was higher in Group II than Group I. Decrease in PCWP was more significant in Group II. PAP had decreased similarly in both groups according to the postoperative 24th hour echocardiographic evaluation; however, at the postoperative second month follow-up, the decrease in PAP was more significant in Group II. CONCLUSION Pulmonary arterial and left atrial pressures significantly decreased in the early periods when the stenosis was alleviated in the isolated mitral stenosis cases with moderate or high PAP levels. This study demonstrates the increased morbidity in patients with higher PAP levels undergoing surgery. It seems that moderate PAP levels do not have a negative influence on postoperative outcomes.