Köksal Dönmez

Nebivolol in preventing atrial fibrillation following coronary surgery in patients over 60 years of age

Objective Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a common complication after cardiac surgery, with an incidence as high as 20-50%. Increased age is associated with a significant increase in postoperative atrial fibrillation risk. This common complication is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of nebivolol in preventing atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass surgery in patients over 60 years of age. Methods In this prospective randomized study, 200 patients who were candidates for elective coronary artery bypass surgery were divided into two groups. The first group was administered with nebivolol and the second group was administered with metoprolol. Treatment was initiated four days prior to surgery, and patients were monitored for atrial fibrillation until discharge. Forty-one patients recieved 50 mg metoprolol succinate daily, which was initiated minimum 4 days before surgery. Results Demographic data were similar in both groups. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in both groups was similar, with no significant difference being identified [n=20 (20%); n=18 (18%), P=0.718; respectively]. There were not any mortality at both groups during study. Inotropic agent requirement at ICU was similar for both groups [n=12 (12%), n=18 (18%), P=0.32]. Conclusion We compared the effectiveness of nebivolol and metoprolol in decreasing the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, and determined that nebivolol was as effective as metoprolol in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation at patients. Nebivolol may be the drug of choice due to its effects, especially after elective coronary artery bypass surgery.

Pseudoaneurysm of high origin ulnar artery after penetrating trauma.

High origin ulnar artery from the brachial artery is rare and lies superficially in the forearm. Its reported frequency ranges from 0.17% to 2%. Pseudoaneurysms of peripheral arteries are very rare, and mostly these are the result of penetrating injuries. Here, we report a case pseudoaneurysm of high origin ulnar artery from the brachial artery and its surgical approach method.

The effects of pulmonary hypertension on early outcomes inpatients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM To investigate the effects of pulmonary hypertension on early clinical variables in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS The preoperative echocardiographic data of patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 1244 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: one group consisted of patients with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) values equal to or greater than 30 mmHg (Group 1, n = 184), while the other group consisted of patients with SPAP values below 30 mmHg (Group 2, n = 1060). RESULTS Early mortality was similar in both groups (0% in Group 1 and 1.2% in Group 2; P > 0.05). Comparison of postoperative data indicated that Group 1 had a higher need for inotropic agent treatment, a longer average duration of ventilation, and a longer average duration of stay in the intensive care unit (P < 0.05). For the other variables, no significant differences were identified between patients with and without pulmonary hypertension (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Mild pulmonary hypertension (mean SPAP = 37.7 ± 8.4 mmHg) was not associated with a significant difference in the mortality of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. For patients undergoing this type of coronary bypass surgery, lower morbidity and mortality rates can be achieved through comprehensive preoperative examinations and effective perioperative medical procedures.