We describe a simple technique of constructing proximal vein graft anastomoses, in an open fashion, under brief periods of very low pump flows. We have used this technique without complications in more than 100 patients with significantly diseased ascending aorta wall. In our opinion, this technique is a good alternative to other, more complex, approaches often described. # 2009 European Associ...

A 64-year-old woman suffering from NYHA III angina and premature ventricular ectopics underwent catheter studies and transthoracic echocardiography, which revealed triple vessel disease and a large post-infract right ventricular aneurysm (Fig. 1). Intraoperatively, we performed reconstruction of ventricular cavity using a patch and three graft revascularization, with excellent outcome 6 months ...

Nineteen-year-old girl operated for ostium secundum ASD sustained injury to the left innominate vein during sternotomy, and was repaired immediately. Pulse Doppler (Fig. 1) revealed continuous flow across the fistula and DSA (Fig. 2) showed flow to the left innominate vein into the superior vena cava. Fistula successfully repaired on 10th postoperative day. European Journal of Cardio-thoracic S...

Section of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy Pneumology Unit, Cardio-Thoracic Department, Spedali Civili od Brescia, Brescia, Italy Corresponding author: Edoardo Sciatti, Section of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and ...

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with chest pain. She had an urgent cabrol-type aortic root replacement for acute aortic dissection during labour 27 months before. Electron beam angiography showed a stenosis at the level of the anastomosis (Fig. 1). Coronary angiography confirmed the diagnosis (Fig. 2). European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery 25 (2004) 284–285 www.elsevier.c...

A 72-year-old patient suffering from dyspnea and dysphagia. Severely elevated level of serum calcium (4.75 mmol/l). Abnormal chest X-ray. CT scan showed a 14 cm thoraco-abdominal aneurysm compressing LV and stomach (Fig. 1a). After aortic replacement there was normalization of hypercalcemia which was most probably caused by pressureinduced destruction of the vertebral body (Fig. 1b). www.elsevi...

A 49-year-old male had mitral annuloplasty with a Cosgrove– Edwards band. Twelve months later he was asymptomatic, but transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiograms showed dehiscence of the annuloplasty band. He underwent an uneventful mitral valve replacement. This case demonstrates the value of long-term echocardiographical follow-up of cardiac valvular prostheses irrespective of the pat...

A healthy 29-year-old male presented with hemiplegia. The evaluation for this stroke was inconclusive, until an echocardiogram revealed a structure on the mitral valve (Fig. 1). This mass was resected and the leaflet was repaired (Fig. 2). The postoperative course was uncomplicated and his neurologic deficits improved over the next few months. European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery 26 (200...

Methods In emergency situation, preoperative patient work-up for cardio-vascular surgery is quite different from the elective setting. Since 03/2000 till 01/2012 we have analyzed a consecutive series of 12 172 cases out of which 2214 underwent emergency procedures (18.19%). The most frequent problems requiring urgent intervention were thoracic aortic aneurysms (448 cases; 20.24%); coronary arte...