Kemalettin Erdem

Usefulness of the mean platelet volume for predicting new-onset atrial fibrillation after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The mean platelet volume (MPV) is an important marker of platelet activity and is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. We investigated whether the MPV is associated with the development of AF after CABG. This study included 208 patients undergoing elective isolated CABG. We evaluated the standard preoperative 12-lead electrocardiograph (ECG) recorded at a paper speed of 25 mm/s obtained for each patient from our hospital records before surgery. All study patients underwent standard CABG requiring cardiopulmonary bypass without concurrent valvular surgery. Forty-three patients were excluded. After CABG, all patients were monitored by telemetry and 12-lead ECGs. AF was defined using the established Society of Thoracic Surgeons definition. Postoperative AF occurred in 38 (22%) patients. The hemoglobin and platelet and leukocyte counts were similar in the groups with and without AF. However, the MPV and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in the AF group (8.9 [1.4] vs. 7.9 [1.2], p < 0.001 and 3.2 ± 1.9 vs. 2.6 ± 1.2, p = 0.005, respectively). In addition, the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher in the AF group (8.9 [19.6] vs. 5.3 [8.7], p = 0.025). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MPV and CRP were independent predictors of postoperative AF (odds ratio [OR] 2.564, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.326–4.958, p = 0.005; OR 1.055, 95% CI 1.000–1.114, p = 0.050, respectively). Our results show that increased platelet activity is associated with the development of AF after CABG.

Comparison of Endovenous Laser and Radiofrequency Ablation in Treating Varicose Veins in the Same Patient

Purpose: To compare endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency venous ablation (RFA) in different legs in the same patients with venous insufficiency. Methods: Sixty patients with bilateral saphenous vein insufficiency were included. Endovenous laser ablation or RFA was applied to one of the patient’s legs and the remaining procedure, RFA or EVLA, to the other leg. Results: Minor complications in EVLA and RFA were hyperemia at 20.7% and 31.0%, ecchymosis at 31.0% and 51.7% and edema at 27.6% and 65.5%, respectively. The rate of recanalization was 6.8% in the RFA group. No recanalization was observed in the EVLA group. The level of patients satisfied with EVLA was 51.7%, compared to 31.0% for RFA, while 17.2% of patients were satisfied with both the procedures. Times to return to daily activity were 0.9 days in the EVLA group and 1.3 days in the RFA group. Conclusion: The EVLA procedure may be superior to RFA in certain respects.

Evaluation of olfactory memory after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Introduction This study determined whether coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery has any effect on olfactory function, employing the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT). Material and methods All the participants were informed preoperatively about the B-SIT test and the mode of its application. The test was performed by each patient preoperatively (d0) as well as 1 (d1) and 3 (d3) days following the surgery. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were recorded at the same time as the smell test. Results This prospective study included 45 patients. The mean age was 67 ± 7.55, and the group was 29% male. The mean durations of cross clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass were 54 ± 32 min and 62.5 ± 37.0 min, respectively. Eleven different odors were tested. Significant differences were observed for several odors: leather between d0 and d3, pine between d0 and d3, onion between d0 and d1, onion between d0 and d3, and soap between d0 and d1. The postoperative CRP levels were significantly higher than the preoperative levels. The correlation analysis determined that the postoperative CRP levels were negatively correlated with the B-SIT score (r = –0.48, p = 0.001). Conclusions Our findings suggest that patients after CABG are prone to develop olfactory dysfunction in the early postoperative period and that olfactory dysfunction is associated with postoperative CRP levels.

Predictive value of aortic knob width for postoperative atrial fibrillation in coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was determine whether aortic knob width (AKW) is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) after isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). METHODS In this retrospective observational cohort study, we evaluated 135 patients without hemodynamically significant valvular problems. AKW was measured on chest X-ray by digital system. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to find independent associates of postoperative AF (POAF). The diagnostic value of AKW was assessed using ROC analysis. RESULTS POAF occurred in 43 (31.8%) of all patients. The age, AKW, left atrial (LA) diameter and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher in patients with POAF than without POAF (67.2 ± 8.6 vs 61.3 ± 9.8 years, p=0.004; 45.6 ± 5.8 vs 36.1 ± 3.8 mm, p<0.001; 37.9 ± 3.5 vs 35.8 ± 3.1mm, p=0.002 and 10.6 ± 8.5 vs 5.6 ± 6.5 mg/L, p=0.001 respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that AKW, LA diameter and CRP were independently associated with POAF (OR=4.527, 95% CI=1.315 -15.588, p=0.017; OR=2.834, 95% CI=1.091-7.360, p=0.032 and OR=1.300, 95% CI=1.038-1.628, p=0.022 respectively). ROC analysis has demonstrated that aortic knob of 36.5 mm constitutes the cut-off value for the occurrence of POAF with 84.4% sensitivity and 64.6% specificity (AUC=0.84, 95% CI=0.75-0.94, p<0.001). CONCLUSION We have demonstrated a significant association between the AKW and AF development after isolated CABG. PA chest radiography is a cheap and readily available clinical tool and it can be examined easily by every cardiovascular surgeons.

Carotico subclavian bypass in coronary subclavian steal syndrome: Case report -

Subclavian steal syndome is known as reverse flow from vertabral artery to subclavian artery due to occlusion of proximal subclavian artery. Occlusive process leading to syndrome is common in left subclavian artery. Coronary-subclavian steal syndome may happen by reverse flow in left internal thorasic artery with occlusion in subclavain artery of patients who were performed coronary artery bypass grafting surgery using left internal thorasic artery. Subclavian steal syndome may occur during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery or postoperatively with progression of lesion. We want to represent a cases who has carotico-subclavian steal syndrome of which one was detected before and the other one was detected after the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

Coronary artery ectasia is associated with atrial electrical and mechanical dysfunction: an observational study

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to investigate total atrial conduction time and left atrial (LA) mechanical function in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia (ICAE). METHODS Sixty patients with ICAE without any visible coronary stenosis were enrolled to this cross-sectional observational study. The control group consisted of 40 age- and gender-matched patients. Left atrial mechanical functions were measured by the method of discs in the apical-four chamber echocardiographic view. LA mechanical function parameters were calculated. P wave dispersion was measured on electrocardiography (ECG). The total atrial conduction time (PA-tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) duration) was assessed by measuring the time interval between the beginning of the P wave on the surface ECG and point of the peak A wave on TDI from LA lateral wall just over the mitral annulus. Student t, Mann-Whitney U, Pearsons, and Spearmans correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The clinical and laboratory characteristics were similar in two groups. Both groups were similar in terms of Vmax and LA total emptying volume (29.0 ± 7.3 vs. 31.9 ± 6.5 mL/m², p=0.082 and 19.9 ± 5.1 vs. 20.0 ± 5.2 mL/m², p=0.821). However, LA passive emptying volume and LA passive emptying fraction were significantly decreased with ICAE patients (11.1 ± 3.2 vs. 13.5 ± 3.8 ml/m², p=0.005 and 35.2 ± 7.2 vs. 47.8 ± 9.4 mL/m², p<0.001). But LA active emptying volume and LA active emptying fraction were significantly increased in ICAE patients (9.1 ± 2.6 vs. 6.4 ± 3.0 mL/m², p<0.001 and 45.3 ± 8.1 vs. 40.7 ± 6.7 mL/m², p=0.002). PA-TDI duration was measured significantly higher in patients with ICAE than control group (131.8 ± 5.7 vs. 114.4 ± 9.1 ms, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that ectatic segment number was an independent factor of PA-TDI duration (β=0.581, 95% CI=4.046-6.295, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated presence of LA electrical and mechanical dysfunction in patients with ICAE. LA dysfunction may be associated with cardiac pathologies as arrhythmias, decrease in cardiac output and congestive failure.

Combined Surgical Treatment of Coronary and Carotid Artery Disease

İletisim Bilgisi / Correspondence Yard. Doç. Dr. Orhan Bozoğlan, Kahramanmaraş Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı 46050 Kahramanmaraş E-posta: orhanbozoglan1975@hotmail.com Geliş tarihi / Received: Mayıs / May 09, 2012; Kabul tarihi / Accepted: Ağustos / Agust 10, 2012 Çıkar Çatışması / Conflict Of Interest: Yok /None 107 Koroner ve Karotis Arter Hastalığında Kombine Cerrahi Tedavi