Ryu Koike

Combined coronary revascularization and splenectomy

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is rarely associated with coronary artery disease. In this report, we describe the successful surgical management of a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and angina pectoris.

Comparison of prostacyclin production of human gastroepiploic artery and saphenous vein

The prostacyclin production of the gastroepiploic artery (GEA) and saphenous vein (SV) were studied in 5 patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization. The GEA produced 90.0 +/- 11.9, 132.4 +/- 13.7, and 191.1 +/- 21.8 pg/mg tissue (mean +/- standard error of the mean) of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (prostacyclin metabolite) after 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 minutes, respectively, of incubation in Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37 degrees C. The SV produced 39.8 +/- 7.0, 66.7 +/- 9.1, and 123.6 +/- 15.1 pg/mg tissue of 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha after 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 minutes, respectively, of incubation. The GEA produced significantly more 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha than SV at all three sampling times up to ten minutes of incubation (p less than 0.01). Prostacyclin is a potent vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Prostacyclin production by the internal mammary artery was reported to be much higher than that of SV, and the patency rate of internal mammary artery grafts is reported to be better than that of SV grafts in coronary artery revascularization. Therefore, our results suggest that the patency rate of GEA grafts may be better than that of SV grafts in coronary artery revascularization. The GEA is a promising and excellent graft from the biochemical point of view.

Right ventricular myocardial infarction and late cardiac tamponade due to right coronary artery aneurysm —A case report—

Coronary artery aneurysm is a relatively rare disease, which may cuase angina, myocardial infarction, or sudeen unexpected death due to thrombosis, emboliozation or rupture. This report describes a case of a 46 year old male who suffered an inferior myocardial infarction with right ventricular involvement, third degree atrioventricular block, cardiogenic shock and late cardiac tamponade, all caused by a right coronary artery aneurysm. He was successfully treated with emergency coronary artery bypass grafting. A review of the literature is also given to emphasize the importance of prompt recognition and correct management of the coronary artery aneurysm.

Lung cancer coexisting with bullae

Scattered reports have suggested the association of cancer with bullous disease. We report herein, two surgical cases of lung cancer arising from bullae. Both the patients were males who smoked heavily and the generation of cancer was found simultaneously with the discovery of the bulla. At thoracotomy, it was found that the cancer had arisen from the firm, scarred and contracted area adjacent to the bulla wall. On the basis of this experience and review of the literature, it is suggested that physicians should always pay careful attention to the generation and complication of cancer while treating bullous disease in heavy smoking individuals.

Free arterial graft as internal mammary artery-Y complex

Because of excellent surgical results obtained with in situ internal mammary artery grafts, recent efforts have been made to extend the use of arterial conduits. In this study 2 cases of coronary revascularization using free internal mammary artery and gastroepiploic artery grafts as an internal mammary artery-Y complex are described. We believe that complete revascularization with only arterial conduit can be achieved more widely by using this technique.

Simultaneous coronary and abdominal aortic surgery —A report of two cases—

Myocardial infarction is a major cause of operative mortality following abdominal aortic surgery. For this reason, routine coronary angiography and, if indicated, coronary revascularization prior to aneurysm repair is recommended. Nevertheless, some controversy still exists concerning the risks of aneurysm rupture and myocardial ischemic events when repair or coronary surgery is staged. This report describes two successful cases of simultaneous surgery for an expanding aneurysm and severe coronary artery disease, emphasizing the usefulness of gastroepiploic artery grafting in such cases.