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Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cause of cardiovascular deaths. Education of patients with myocardial infarctions essential to prevent further cardiovascular events and reduce the risk of mortality. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between patients’ readiness for hospital discharge after myocardial infarction, acceptance of illness, social, demographic, and clinical factors. The study used a cross-sectional design and included 102 patients, who were hospitalized for myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Two questionnaires were used: The Readiness for Hospital Discharge After Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). Low readiness characterized nearly half of patients (47.06%), 27.45% of patients showed an intermediate level of readiness, while 25.49% of patients had high readiness. Readiness for hospital discharge was higher among younger patients, respondents living in relationships, living with a family, with tertiary or secondary education, and professionally active. Acceptance of illness was higher among male patients, respondents living in relationships, and family, with secondary education and professionally active. The AIS score positively correlated with readiness for hospital discharge.

Surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) performed at the time of other valvular- or nonvalvular cardiac procedure is a mainstay of therapy; yet the data regarding its influence on remote survival are sparse. We aimed to evaluate late survival in patients undergoing mitral valve (MV) surgery with concomitant surgical ablation for AF.Procedure-related data from the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures (Krajowy Rejestr Operacji Kardiochirurgicznych) were retrospectively collected. A total of 11,381 patients with baseline AF (46.6% men; mean age 65.6 ± 9.0 years) undergoing MV surgery between 2006 and 2017 in 37 reference centers across Poland and included in the registry were analyzed. Median follow-up was 5 years (mean, 4.6 years; interquartile range, 1.9-7.9 years). Cox proportional hazards models were used for computations. Propensity score matching for the comparison of MV + ablation versus MV alone was performed.Of included patients, 2449 (21.5%) underwent surgical ablation for AF. Patients in this group were significantly younger (63.8 ± 8.7 years vs 66.1 ± 9.0 years; P .001) and were at lower baseline surgical risk (EuroSCORE, 2.86 vs 3.69; P .001). During the 12-year study period, there was a significant survival benefit (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.79; P .001) for MV + ablation compared with MV alone. After rigorous propensity matching (logit model, 1784 pairs) surgical ablation was associated with nearly 20% improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.96; P = .011). Benefit of surgical ablation was maintained in subgroup analyses, yet most benefit was appraised in low-risk patients such as those with EuroSCORE of 2 to 5 or age 50 years.Concomitant surgical ablation for AF in patients undergoing mitral valve procedures is safe, feasible, and significantly improves late survival.

BACKGROUND The number of patients with chronic kidney failure requiring cardiac surgery is continuously increasing. Additionally, significant worsening in the overall risk profile of this group of patients is noted. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of chronic renal dysfunction both in non-dialysis-dependent renal failure and end-stage renal failure patients, on early mortality--morbidity and late survival in a series of cardiac surgery patients at our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS 1344 patients who had open heart surgery at our university hospital between 2010 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Chronic renal dysfunction was defined according to preoperative glomerular filtration rate. Patients selection (n=80). Group 1 mild--(GRF 59-30 mL/min), Group 2 moderate--(GFR 29-15 mL/min), Group 3 end stage--(GFR

A 24-year-old pregnant woman (29.4 weeks of gestation) with A (H1N1) influenza-associated adult respiratory distress syndrome was admitted to the intensive care unit. The patient was connected to femoral-jugular veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) 8 hours after admission. On the 7(th) day of ECMO support, due to the increasing threat to the life of the mother and the fetus, a decision was made to carry out a cesarean section (CS) without discontinuing the ECMO support. The CS was performed uneventfully under general anesthesia, 5 hours after the discontinuation of heparin infusion. A live, premature 1200 g female neonate was delivered. No complications occurred in the perioperative period. On the 17(th) day, the patient was successfully weaned off the ECMO and discharged 10 days later. The newborn was discharged from the hospital in good health 41 days after the delivery.

The aim of the study was to assess whether the plasma level and content of adipokines, in adipose tissue, is associated with a medical history of myocardial infarction.The study group consisted of 33 consecutive patients (12 females, 21 males, aged 68.6 ± 6.8 years) who underwent cardiac bypass surgery. Patients were divided into groups; group 1 presented with a history of myocardial infarction and group 2 presented without a history of myocardial infarction. During cardiac surgery, samples of epicardial adipose tissue, adipose tissue located at internal mammary artery, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and blood samples were taken for further assessment.Significantly higher levels of resistin in adipose tissue from the epicardial tissue were found in group 1 than in group 2: median and interquartile range, respectively, 37.2 (8.9-121.5) ng/g versus 15.0 (7.1-24.1) ng/g; p 0.049. Multivariate analysis found that previous myocardial infarction was associated with male gender, older age, and higher content of resistin in epicardial adipose tissue.The resistin content in epicardial adipose tissue in patients with advanced coronary atherosclerosis seems higher in those with a history myocardial infarction. Increased resistin epicardial content seems related to the previous myocardial infarction independent of the other established risk factors such as age and male gender. The importance of paracrine function of adipose pericardial tissue in the occurrence of complications of atherosclerosis merits further investigations.

Background There is evidence that advanced infectious chronic periodontal inflammatory disease may have an impact on general health including cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the ability of Porphyromonas gingivalis to colonize heart valves and, subsequently, to assess whether there is an association between the presence of the DNA of Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontal pockets and in degenerated heart valves. Materials and Methods Thirty patients were enrolled in the study and 31 valve specimens harvested during cardiac surgery operations were examined. All patients underwent a periodontal examination. To evaluate the periodontal status of the patients the following clinical parameters were recorded: the pocket depth, bleeding on probing (BOP) and aproximal plaque index (API). The presence of P. gingivalis in heart valve specimens and samples from periodontal pockets was analyzed using a single–step PCR method. Results P. gingivalis DNA was detected in periodontal pockets of 15 patients (50%). However, the DNA of this periopathogen was found neither in the aortic nor in the mitral valve specimens. Conclusions This study suggests that P. gingivalis may not have an influence on the development of the degeneration of aortic and mitral valves.

We present our preliminary experience with beating-heart aortic root remodeling using an external "corset," which we performed in 2 patients with aortic insufficiency and aortic root dilatation. Standard extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was used. After a meticulous dissection of the aortic root and ascending aorta, the bespoke vascular prosthesis was placed around the vessel to decrease its diameter and restore aortic valve function. Postoperative angiographic computed tomography (CT) showed a significant decrease in the diameter of the wrapped aorta. Echocardiography performed 12 months after the operation showed normal aortic valve function with trivial regurgitation and stable aortic diameter in both patients.

We present the clinical case of a 63-year-old patient who underwent in the Department of Cardiac Surgery implantation of an aorto-bifemoral graft prosthesis and coronary artery bypass revascularization with application of less invasive off-pump technique. Graft selection (arterial grafts, venous grafts) is very important during qualification for coronary artery bypass revascularization. Minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting was performed during the presented case. The endoscopic technique of vein harvesting is a relatively rarely applied technique during myocardial revascularization surgery. The concept of minimally invasive videoscopic technique is presented. There is a discussion on why the team decided to prolong duration of the case consisting of two major operations performed simultaneously. Minimally invasive videoscopic technique may have a significant positive impact on postoperative outcome in a selected group of patients.

Background External wrapping is a surgical technique used in patients with dilated ascending aorta. To date, there is no available data describing the radiographic features of the aorta subjected to external wrapping using a straight corrugated Dacron vascular prosthesis. The aim of this study was to find distinctive radiographic features of an externally constricted aorta. Methods Preoperative and early postoperative (7th postoperative day) CT angiography images of ten patients who underwent wrapping procedures were assessed and compared. The images were analyzed in order to find characteristic features of CT angiography images of the ascending aorta subjected to external wrapping. Results The CT-angiography images showed that the aortic wall deformed significantly (the wall plicated) after the wrapping procedure in one patient, whose aortic diameter was decreased by 47 %. The remaining nine patients did not have significant aortic wall deformations. All patients presented with a periaortic mass. This was a collection of blood clots and pericardial fluid that filled the empty space in the pericardium following a decrease in the diameter of the ascending aorta. A very thin (

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the severity and course of self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms 8 years after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Out of 53 CABG patients, 37 were examined 8 years later (68% men), mean age - 58.2 (SD 9.3) years. They completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Out of the remaining 16 patients, seven died and nine did not respond. RESULTS: The response group had the mean BDI scores of 13.3 (SD 8.0) before CABG and 11.5 (SD 9.5) at follow-up (p= 0.38). Over 37.8% remained depressed. Non-depressed patients before CABG remained free from depressive symptoms further on, whereas depressed patients continued suffering, even 8 years after the operation. Before the operation, the mean anxiety state score was 44.3 (SD 12.0). After CABG (3 months and 8 years), the significant reduction of anxiety symptoms was observed (respectively: p= 0.02, p= 0.01). Postoperative complications, lower physical and mental well-being, somatic symptoms and negative life attitude were related to bad prognosis several years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive and anxiety symptoms occurred in many cardiosurgical patients before and after CABG. Good results of the surgical procedure did not cause reduction of depressive symptoms. Anxiety symptoms were much more common perioperatively than depressive ones and decreased significantly after surgery. Preoperative assessment of depressive and anxiety symptoms can indicate the risk group and suggest care proceedings during the rehabilitation period to improve the effectiveness of surgical coronary revascularization.

Oxidative stress markers and apoptosis were estimated during elective surgical heart revascularization. Eight patients with good ejection fraction underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with the use of warm blood cardioplegia. Two right atrium auricle biopsy specimens were collected before and after the operation. Specimens underwent immunocytochemical analysis of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression and apoptosis estimation by the TUNEL method. Ultrastructure analysis under electron microscope was made. Satisfactory results of the operation were obtained. After CABG the MnSOD expression increase in sections of auricles was observed through the increase of stain intensity and the percentage of cells with positive stain (from 30 to 80%). The apoptotic cells percentage remained at approximately the same level. Under the electron microscope insignificant pathological changes were observed. On this basis one may assume that in the case of cardiosurgical procedures with short aorta cross-clamping time and low operation risk level the application of cardioplegia sufficiently prevents reactive oxygen forms (ROF) cytotoxic activity although it does not inhibit the expression of oxidative stress (OS) markers. In our opinion the method of examining right atrium sections is safe and provides results comparable with other publications. It may also be a voice in the discussion on new methods of heart protection during cardiac surgery procedures.

Surgical ablation is a recommended procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing a cardiac surgery operation. However, the procedure is associated with significant risk of late recurrence of AF. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term efficacy of the procedure with respect to the comorbidities. The study group consisted of 22 patients: 9 women and 13 men, who underwent surgical AF ablation in the 2008-2013 period. The patients were interviewed by telephone and were asked to send their recently performed 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). The semi-structured interview consisted of 25 items regarding the history of AF, concomitant comorbidities, lifelong syncopal history, smoking, family history of premature cardiovascular diseases, and current medical treatment. Furthermore, the Epworth test was performed to measure the daytime sleepiness, which in turn is related to the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea. On the basis of the obtained data, the CHADS2, and Epworth scale scores were calculated for each patient. As a result of the study six patients (27%) had sinus rhythm or paced dual chamber rhythm, and 16 patients had atrial fibrillation. The multivariate analysis revealed that Epworth scale scoring9, CHADS2 score0, and persistent type of AF were related to poor outcome of surgical ablation procedure. In conclusion, patients with AF treated with surgical ablation have similar prognosis of sinus rhythm maintenance to those treated with radiofrequency ablation. Moreover, the same predisposing factors play a significant role in AF recurrence both in surgical patients and in patients treated with radiofrequency ablation.Ablacja chirurgiczna to zabieg rekomendowany dla pacjentów z migotaniem przedsionków (

Objectives. Interest in periodontitis as a potential risk factor for atherosclerosis and its complications resulted from the fact that the global prevalence of periodontal diseases is significant and periodontitis may induce a chronic inflammatory response. Many studies have analyzed the potential impact of thePorphyromonas gingivalis, major pathogen of periodontitis, on general health. The purpose of this study was to find the presence of thePorphyromonas gingivalisDNA in the atherosclerotic plaques of coronary and carotid arteries and in the periodontal pockets in patients with chronic periodontitis, who underwent surgery because of vascular diseases.Methods and Results. The study population consisted of 91 patients with coronary artery disease or scheduled for carotid endarterectomy. The presence ofPorphyromonas gingivalisDNA in atheromatous plaques and in subgingival samples was determined by PCR. Bacterial DNA was found in 21 of 91 (23%) samples taken from vessels and in 47 of 63 (74.6%) samples from periodontal pockets.Conclusions.Porphyromonas gingivalisDNA is frequently found in atheromatous plaques of patients with periodontitis. That is why more research should be conducted to prove if this periopathogen may have an impact on endothelium of patients at risk of atherosclerosis.

The city of Wroclaw (Breslau) lies where the cultural and economic influences of the eastern, southern, and western Europe meet. Over a thousand years of history it changed the state affiliation several times. Since 1945, similarly as seven centuries ago, it lies within the borders of Poland. The historical complex of hospital buildings constructed at the end of the 19th century for the medical faculty remained almost untouched, despite catastrophic war destructions in the whole city. The building of surgical clinic witnessed epoch-making events in the discipline of surgery performed by the three great personalities. Jan Mikulicz-Radecki (1850-1905), the first head of the department, world famous physician and scientist, created in Wroclaw a modern surgical center. From among his numerous achievements the most important seems to be the performance of the world's first safe thoracotomy in the low-pressure chamber (1904). Karl Heinrich Bauer (1890-1979) was the next great personality, who had been leading the surgical department since 1933. Genetics, transplantology, traumatology and oncology were the main points of his interest. Because of political reasons he had to leave Wroclaw. He continued his surgical and scientific career in Heidelberg. Wiktor Bross (1903-1994) came to the ruined city directly after the World War II. As an experienced general and thoracic surgeon he created a new surgical school. First in Poland open heart surgery (1958) and renal transplantation (1966) were performed by him and his team in the same building, where Mikulicz-Radecki and Bauer worked in the past. The memory of all three great surgeons has been honored by placing their sculptures among the prominent Wroclaw citizens in the city hall.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early 3-week cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in terms of the reduction of negative psychological symptoms, and to determine which factors predispose patients to worse rehabilitation results in this regard. METHODS: The study involved a random group of 50 patients (11 women and 39 men) who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting, with a mean age of 63.3 (±7.2) years. The following screening tests were used: Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Acceptance of Illness Scale. The pulse rate during the first session of physical training was recorded (t1 P), and after training the patients assessed their level of exertion (t1 E) on the Borg Scale (BS). The same procedure was repeated at the end of the rehabilitation (t2 P, t2 E). RESULTS: Among the psychological parameters examined at t1 (at baseline), the strongest relationship with poor acceptance of illness after 3 weeks of rehabilitation was indicated by the level of depression (P< 0.001), with a slightly lower correlation with the state anxiety and the trait anxiety results (P= 0.005 and 0.027, respectively). A relationship was also found between the severity of depression in t1 and the level of exertion measured by the BS at the end of rehabilitation (P= 0.007). Before rehabilitation, depressed patients exhibited higher levels of both trait and state anxiety (P= 0.009 and 0.018, respectively). After rehabilitation in the depressed subgroup, there was no improvement in the subjective assessment of exertion or reduction of state anxiety. Sex and co-morbidities also had considerable importance in the context of CR efficacy. The women showed more severe depressive symptoms (P= 0.01), a higher personality tendency to anxiety (P= 0.036) and poorer results of rehabilitation (in relation to the level of exertion after physical training and the intensity of state anxiety symptoms). There was no reduction of state anxiety in patients who suffered from at least two co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of severe anxiety–depressive symptoms before rehabilitation has an effect on its outcome. Psychiatric symptomatology should be diagnosed as early as possible and patients should receive additional therapeutic support.

Cardiac myxomas are rare. They usually appear as a sporadic isolated mass in the left atrium of women with no other pathology. Our patient had symptoms which may suggest pulmonary embolism (PE)-TTE, D-dimers, ECG, laboratory findings seemed to confirm acute PE. Physical examination was unremarkable. Signs of pulmonary hypertension and shortened acceleration time also suggested PE. However, angio-CT excluded it. The patient was transfered to surgical department. During the operation the big myxoma filling the whole space of the left atrium and blocking the entrance to the left ventricle was found and easily removed. Kardiol Pol 2010; 68, 6: 695-696.

The case of a 66-year-old male with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock is presented. Because of failed primary PCI, after stabilisation of ischaemia and haemodynamics by medication and IABP he was transferred to a distantly located cardiosurgery unit. This patient underwent successful emergency CABG on the second day after infarction. The problem of transporting a patient with AMI and cardiogenic shock to a distant site and the problem of emergency CABG in such high-risk patients is discussed.

An estimation of influence of different doses of aprotynin on bleeding, coagulation parameters and safety of its use after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in pts without coagulation disorders.91 patients underwent CABG, 73 men, 18 women in age 37 to 76 +/- 56.5 years. Patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups; Group I; 38 pts. 6.5 mln KIU aprotynin. Group II; placebo--30 pts. Group III; 23 pts. 2 mln. KIU. There were 4 measurements 1.--before operation, 2. after discontinuing CPB, 3.--6 h after operation, 4.--24 h after operation. We measured Hb, Ht, PLT Glucose, D-dimers, APTT, TT Fibrynogen, INR, AT3, Ca2+, factor V, VIII, GOT GPT CK, CK-MB, CRP, ACT concentration of Hb in drainage 6 h after operation. There were estimated: renal function profile, drainage loss, perioperative MI, mortality, reoperation rate due to bleeding.The level of blood count and coagulation parameters did not differ between the groups in any test periods. D-dimer levels were significantly higher in the placebo group than in group I and III. The decrease of fibrin degradation was not related to the dose of aprotynin. Drainage was insignificantly higher in placebo group. Renal function was impaired in neither group. Reoperation rate perioperative infarction and mortality did not differ between the groups, however was highest in group I.Aprotynin reduces blood loss after operation in CPB and decrease fibrin degradation independently to the dose of the drug. The high-dose of aprotynin may increase the risk of early graft occlusion in patients without coagulation disorders.

Haemolytic anaemia following mitral annuloplasty is uncommon as compared with mitral valve replacement procedures. A 67-year-old woman, who underwent mitral annuloplasty and CABG, developed haemolytic anaemia. Echocardiographic examination revealed mitral regurgitation jet colliding with mitral ring. The management of these cases usually demands redo surgery. In the presented case, the direction of mild mitral regurgitant jet with respectfully high velocity contributed significantly to the early postoperative haemolysis. Redo surgery with implantation of bioprosthesis caused withdrawal of intravascular haemolysis.

A case of a 42-year-old male patient with symptoms of chronic heart failure, history of infective endocarditis and drug abuse is presented. Echocardiography revealed the presence of pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle, probably of post-inflammatory origin. Further course of the disease was complicated by multiorgan dysfunction, inflammatory and intravascular coagulation process, which led finally to acute circulatory and respiratory failure and death soon before planned cardiac surgery. Autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is widely accepted as an effective and durable method of treatment of Coronary Artery Disease. In some patients however, recurrent angina and the necessity of reoperation (RE-CABG) occurs.The aim of the study is the estimation of the results of RE-CABG in own material.In years 1995-2002 CABG operations were performed in 3452 patients (CABG group) and RE-CABG in 37 pts (1.07%) (RE-CABG group). Patients were considered for operation on condition of the presence of symptomatic CAD confirmed by coronarography in standard projections. Operations were performed using Cardiopulmonary Bypass.The CABG group consisted of 3452 pts in mean age 57.9 years, including 2693 men (78%) and 759 (22%) women. The RE-CABG group was composed of 37 pts in mean age 60.7 years, comprising 22 (59.5%) men and 15 (40.5%) women. The percentage of women in CABG group was significantly higher than in CABG group. The mean age in RE-CABG group was insignificantly higher than in CABG group. In the CABG group 3.1 anastomosis/pt were performed, including anastomosis IMA to LAD in 2779 pts (80.5%). From this group only in 2 pts (0.07%) coronary reoperations were performed. In the remaining 673 pts from CABG group during the first operation, only saphenous vein graft were performed and in 35 (5.2%) coronary reoperation was necessary. This difference is statistically significant. In-hospital mortality in CABG group was 5%, the IABP was used in 7.8% of pts. Mortality in the RE-CABG group reached 8.1% (3/37), the IABP was used in 16.2% (6/37).1. The use of arterial grafts during the first coronary operation decreases the reoperation rate. 2. RE-CABG are performed in the older patient rather than CABG. 3. RE-CABG are performed more frequently in women than in men as compared to CABG. 4. RE-CABG are burdened with twice as high mortality rate and the necessity of use of IABP than CABG.

The paper presented problems of quality of life and psychosocial functioning of patients following coronary artery bypass grafting operations. Possibilities of psychoprophylactic effects towards these patients and its efficacy were described.

A case of a 75-year-old female with a giant left atrial myxoma (54 x 42 mm in transthoracic echocardiography) is presented. She remained in a stable condition, however, developed a low cardiac output syndrome shortly after echocardiographic examination. This was caused by tumour displacement from the atrial wall into the left ventricle. The patient underwent urgent surgery during which the tumour was successfully removed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of myxoma. Six months after surgery the patient is doing well.

Differences between men and women in the prevalence and clinical course of coronary artery disease (CAD) have been well documented. There are no data in literature on the differences between males and females in the incidence of post-infarction left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities of akinesia/dyskinesia type and the outcome after surgical LV reconstruction.To compare gender-related differences in clinical characteristics, distribution of LV wall motion abnormalities, and outcome after surgical LV reconstruction.Between 1993 and 2000, 3119 patients underwent surgery for CAD in our institution. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 3033 patients. Of those, 86 (2.67%) underwent CABG with concomitant surgical ventricular restoration (SVR). Clinical, echocardiographic and procedural data were compared between females and males.In the SVR group, the percentage of women was significantly higher than in the CABG group (29% vs 18.5%, p=0.05). Obesity, unstable angina and pulmonary oedema were significantly more common in females than in males. The end-diastolic volume and global ejection fraction were lower in women than in men. The ratio of ANV (systolic volume of akinetic/dyskinetic zone of LV) to EDV (diastolic LV volume) was significantly higher in females than in males. Cardiac output, cardiac index and stroke volume were significantly lower in females. Women had significantly higher NYHA class. Because of the greater extent of LVA in women, patch plasty was performed significantly more often in females than in males (p=0.05). Mortality in both genders was similar (4% vs 3%, NS). After the operation, a significant improvement of LV function was found in both groups, but the degree of improvement was higher in women.There is male predominance, both in the CABG and SVR groups, however, the proportion of females in the SVR group is significantly greater than in the whole CABG group. LV function is more depressed and NYHA class is higher in females than males. Because the extent of LV akinesia and dyskinesia is greater in females than in males, the circular plasty with patch closure is required more often in women.

Recent improvement in surgical and anaesthetic techniques has significantly reduced the number of post-operative complications, including those from the CNS. Nevertheless the risk of cerebral complications after cardiac revascularization by means of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) still exists and is considered an important risk factor in cardiac surgery. Organic cerebral complications may manifest themselves in the form of relatively overt neurological symptoms, such as stroke (1-3%), dysfunction of peripheral nervous system (5-10%) or slight, more difficult to diagnose cognitive deficits (33 to 83%). Acute qualitative dysfunction of awareness develops in about 7-12% of patients shortly after surgery. Depression or anxiety syndromes are observed in about 25% of patients. Presented results inevitably suggest a necessity for programmed psychological assistance and counselling in this category of patients.

A 55-year-old man was admitted to our Department four weeks after anterior myocardial infarction. A large, mobile thrombus was diagnosed on echocardiography. On the third day of hospitalization systemic arterial embolism with left femoral artery localization occurred. The embolus was removed surgically. During 3-month follow-up the patient received anticoagulant therapy with complete resolution of ventricular thrombus. Therapeutic options in this case are discussed.

We present a case of 55-year old man with a complex form of ischaemic heart disease. Except a significant narrowing of the circumflex coronary branch, a spasm of several branches of left coronary artery was found. The percutaneous balloon angioplasty and a modification of pharmacological treatment (introduction of nitrates and Ca-blockers) was effective. Clinical aspects and possible mechanisms of coronary artery spasm are discussed.

Background External wrapping is a surgical technique performed in patients with a dilated ascending aorta. The aim of this study is to present the mid-term results of wrapping of the dilated ascending aorta. Methods 34 patients (mean age: 64.4 ± 10.8 years, 21 males) with a dilated ascending aorta were operated on at a single cardiac surgery center using a wrapping technique. The aortas were wrapped with 32–36 mm straight Dacron vascular prostheses. The aortic wall was not excised in any of the patients. Wrapping was performed concomitant to other cardiac surgery procedures in 30 patients (88 %), which involved surgery on the aortic valve in 28 patients (82 %). Results The mean follow-up time was 19.5 ± 8.3 months (median: 18 months, range: 12–36 months). None of the patients died or had aortic complications during the hospital stay and the follow-up period. A rethoracotomy had to be performed due to excessive postoperative bleeding in two patients. One patient was diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack on the 4th postoperative day, while another had respiratory failure requiring prolonged intubation. No redilatation of the ascending aorta or dislocation of the wrap was noticed in any of the patients. Conclusions According to our study, external wrapping of the ascending aorta has good short-term results and may be regarded as a safe surgical option for patients with a moderately dilated ascending aorta.

Background External wrapping is a surgical method performed to prevent the dilatation of the aorta and to decrease the risk of its dissection and rupture. However, it is also believed to cause degeneration of the aortic wall. A biomechanical analysis was thus performed to assess the stress of the aortic wall subjected to external wrapping. Methods A stress analysis using the finite elements method was carried out on three models: a non-dilated aorta, a moderately dilated aorta and a wrapped aorta. The models were subjected to a pulsatile flow (120/80 mmHg) and a systolic aortic annulus motion of 11 mm. Results The finite elements analysis showed that the stress exerted on the outer surface of the ascending aorta in the wrapping model (0.05–0.8 MPa) was similar to that observed in the normal aorta (0.03–0.7 MPa) and was lower than in the model of a moderately dilated aorta (0.06–1.4 MPa). The stress on the inner surface of the ascending aorta ranged from 0.2 MPa to 0.4 MPa in the model of the normal aorta, from 0.3 to 1.3 MPa in the model of the dilated aorta and from 0.05 MPa to 0.4 MPa in the wrapping model. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the aortic wall is subjected to similar stress following a wrapping procedure to the one present in the normal aorta.