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Biomedical subjects

F Robicsek

Publications and source records attributed to F Robicsek.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

The embolization of bone wax from sternotomy incisions.

We discuss our study on the effects of discontinuation of the usage of bone wax as a hemostatic agent in sternotomy incisions. In 1976, we abandoned use of bone wax because it was suspected of causing several cases of Mycobacterium fortuitum sternal osteomyelitis. In a retrospective study involving 400 patients, we found that this step did not increase postoperative bleeding as measured by drainage from the chest tube and by the need to return patients to the operating room because of bleeding. It also was observed that there was an appreciable simultaneous drop in pulmonary complications. To test our theory that the wax pressed into the bone marrow can embolize to the lung, radioactively tagged bone wax was pressed into the cut sternum in animal models, and a search was made for radioactive deposits in the peripheral lung tissue. Shortly after the application of the wax, there was evidence of large radioactive deposits in the lungs. It is probable that this embolization occurs also under clinical conditions and may play a role in pulmonary complications following open-heart operations.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Technical options in repairing the diseased ascending aorta with aortic valve involvement.

Operative repair of the diseased ascending aorta with aortic valve involvement consists of replacement of the ascending aorta and the aortic valve plus reconstitution of coronary arterial flow. Two basic techniques are presently available. The conventional technique involves separate replacement of the aorta and valve above and below a small segment of retained aorta including the coronary orifices. The second method consists of replacement of the entire ascending aorta and aortic valve with reconstitution of coronary flow by approximation of the coronary orifices to the Dacron conduit or with saphenous vein bypasses. Each method has its merits depending on the exact pathological anatomy encountered near the coronary orifices. Other pathological variables exist that demand additional intraoperative choices in technique. The present report details the operative repair of this lesion and outlines the technical options available for solution of the various problems encountered.

Aorta↗
PubMed1981

Two outbreaks of sternal wound infection due to organisms of the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex.

Two outbreaks of postoperative wound infections due to organisms of the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex (Mycobacterium chelonei and M. fortuitum) occurred among patients who underwent open-heart surgery. In one hospital, 19 of 80 patients who underwent cardiac surgery within a 10-week period developed sternal infection with M. chelonei. In the second hospital, four of nine patients who underwent cardiac surgery within a two-week period developed sternal incisional infection with M. fortuitum. Although epidemiologic investigations uncovered factors that were significantly associated with the development of infection, the source of the infections could not be determined. The results of numerous cultures were negative, but because the investigations were conducted at least two months after many of the patients had had surgery, the materials in use at the time of the surgery were not available for culture. These results emphasize that physicians should be aware that rapidly growing mycobacteria may produce postoperative wound infections.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Simultaneous revascularization for complex brachiocephalic and coronary artery disease.

We have recently encountered two patients with significant coronary artery disease in addition to complex and extensive brachiocephalic occlusive disease. Both were operated upon successfully with simultaneous repair of both anatomic areas. These cases form the basis of this article. Fourteen additional patients with combined coronary and conventional carotid disease have been operated upon successfully with a simultaneous approach to both lesions. We conclude, until convincing prospective data are available possibly indicating otherwise, that a simultaneous approach to these combined lesions is indicated.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMed1980

A new temporary pacing electrode.

A simple method for the positioning of a temporary pacemaker electrode in the course of open-heart operation is presented. Instead of using "back-stitching," we recommend that after the wire electrode is passed through the myocardium, it should be driven through a small pledget of Silastic rubber material to hold it in position.

Cardiac Pacing, Artificial↗
PubMed1980

The birth of the surgical stapler.

Contrary to the popular belief that the stapling machine is a relatively recent technical innovation, surgical staplers have been in general use since as early as the first decade of the century. The first surgical stapler was invented in 1908, and the two people who were responsible for this invention were Victor Fischer and Hümér Hültl.

Austria↗
PubMed1979

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. A review and current status.

Surgical management of the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is a formidable undertaking. Presently two fairly distinct operative methods are available. The conventional technique, pioneered by Etheredge, involves replacement of the aneurysm with a synthetic graft and then, step by step, revascularization of the abdominal organs with prosthetic side limbs taken from the primary graft. Individual organ ischemic time is limited to that time required for the performance of each distal side limb anastomosis. The second operative method, first described by Crawford, consists of proximal and distal control of the aneurysm, followed by its incision to simultaneously expose the origin of all four major intra-abdominal arteries. Replacement is then rapidly performed with a tubular Dacron graft including anastomosis of these major intra-abdominal arteries to four elliptical graft incisions, from within the aneurysm. Total operating time is reduced at the expense of prolonged organ ischemia. The conventional method allows for step-by-step intraoperative planning and action, and this technique is accordingly recommended to most surgeons, who have had little experience with this unusual lesion. Our recent successful experience with two cases of extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms is described as well as a discussion of additional measures which may become useful in certain cases to favor a successful outcome. Finally the problem of potential resultant paraplegia is discussed.

Angiography↗
PubMed1979

Pectus carinatum.

In the mirror of the pertinent literature, we present our experiences gained in 161 operations for pectus carinatum. The Type I (keel chest) deformity is corrected by bilateral resection of the costal cartilages, transverse osteotomy of the sternum, detachment of the xiphoid process, and resection of the lower end of the body of the sternum. The sternum is maintained in its corrected position by utilizing the pulling force of the rectus muscles through the reattached xiphoid and by tacking the pectoralis muscles together in front of the breast bone. Type II (pouter pigeon breast) is handled by double transverse osteotomy, chiseling off the protuberant portion of the strernomanuberial junction, and by supporting the lower sternal body with either the suspended xiphoid process or with Marlex mesh. Limited forms of Type III (asymmetrical or lateral pectus carinatum) are managed with simple resection of the involved cartilages only. If the anomaly is more extensive, bilateral resection of the cartilages and correction of the sternal axis is carried out.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Sinus venosus type of atrial septal defect with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return.

This report describes our method of repairing the sinus venosus type of atrial septal defects. The superior vena cava is compartmentatlized by means of a single double-armed suture. Caval catheters are used as temporary internal shunts, and a vertical U-shaped patch is incorporated into the atriotomy suture line. The experiences with 27 cases are presented.

Adolescent↗