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Biomedical subjects

H Sirbu

Publications and source records attributed to H Sirbu.

26 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Fatal pulmonary embolism after atrial septal defect closure in a paediatric patient.

A four-year-old girl died of massive acute bilateral pulmonary embolism 11 days after direct closure of a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD II), despite postoperative anticoagulation until the patient was ambulatory. An autopsy showed thrombotic deposits on the suture line of the ASD closure, bilateral 90% occlusion of the pulmonary arteries, and haemorrhagic ulcerative ischaemic colitis of the descending colon and the sigmoid.

Anticoagulants↗

Coronary artery bypass procedures in septuagenarians are justified. Short and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Elective coronary artery bypass surgery can be performed with low operative mortality. There is a controversial discussion whether short-term and long-term results of CABG justify this procedure in elderly patients. METHODS: To add to this discussion, we evaluated retrospectively, the clinical profile, operative technique, short- and long-term results of 1127 patients over 70 years of age who underwent myocardial revascularization between January 1985 and December 1996. RESULTS: Mean age of the cohort was 73.9 years and it rose continuously. In 1996, septuagenarians represented 21.5% of our coronary patients, in comparison to 6.4% in 1985. Analysis of risk factors showed an increasing prevalence of renal failure, obesity, hyperuricemia and a history of smoking. Preoperatively, 87% of our patients were in NYHA-class III or IV, and thus operated to relieve severe symptoms. The percentage of emergent operations decreased over the observed period by 10.3%. The internal mammary artery was used with rising frequency (44.8% in 1985-1992 vs 61.5% in 1993-1996). The number of simultaneous valve replacements increased, too. Postoperatively, we noted a rising incidence of respiratory failure (17.1%) and neurological disorders (13.7%). On the other hand, the need for intra-aortic balloon pumping and hemofiltration declined by 6.6% and 2.9%, respectively. Perioperative mortality (< or =24 hrs) was 3.65%, hospital mortality (< or =30 days) was 9.64%. The actuarial survival (standard error) at 1 year was 82% (+/-4.3%), and 65.7% (+/-3.8%) at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that coronary artery bypass grafting can be performed in septuagenarians at an acceptable risk. Since the large majority of patients improve symptomatically, surgery is a recommendable option for a growing number of elderly patients suffering from severe angina.

Aged↗

Mitral valve replacement through dilated aortic annulus in Marfan's syndrome.

A 30-year-old man presented with severe aortic regurgitation due to an ascending aortic aneurysm and mitral valve insufficiency in conjunction with active endocarditis. He underwent combined aortic root replacement by a composite graft and mechanical mitral valve replacement. After excision of the aortic valve cusps the mitral valve was approached through the extremely dilated aortic annulus. This technique is seldom used. Mitral valve replacement through the aortic root can be advantageous in selected patients to minimize trauma and reduce myocardial ischemic time.

Adult↗

Development of cardiovascular procedures before abdominal aortic aneurysm repair over 16 years.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative screening, interventional and surgical therapy of cardiovascular diseases are of pivotal importance for a successful outcome after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery. METHODS: In a retrospective study all patients who underwent surgery for AAA were reevaluated for preoperative diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular diseases. Two study periods 1980-1989 and 1990-1996 were defined. Of 603 patients operated upon because of AAA between 1980 and 1996, 449 were operated on an elective basis and 154 as an emergency. Preoperative diagnostic studies for coronary artery disease (CAD) were performed in electively operated patients only and were positive in 76.8% (1980-1989: 76.1%, 1990-1996: 77.5%). Coronary angiography was performed in 108 patients (29.6%). Medical therapy of CAD declined by 2.3%, interventional procedures by 18.8%. In contrast, myocardial revascularization with subsequent aneurysm resection increased by 26. 6% and 12 patients (16%) required urgent simultaneous cardiac and aortic surgery. Early mortality after AAA surgery dropped from 4.2% to 2.9%, the frequency of primary cardiac failure as the cause of death was reduced from 33.3% to 22.2% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 42.6% more cardiac surgical procedures were performed before AAA surgery since 1990 compared with the period 1980-1989. In contrast, the number of interventional procedures fell by 18.8%. Surgical therapy of cardiac disease reduces early mortality after elective AAA surgery.

Aged↗

Incarcerated postraumatic intercostal lung hernia. Case report and review of the literature.

Traumatic lung hernia is a rare diagnosis. A 52-year-old female motorvehicle passenger was admitted as a trauma patient after a motorvehicle accident. She was found to have an incarcerated lung hernia. Size of the hernia, incarceration and respiratory insufficiency mandated immediate surgical intervention with reposition, drainage and stabilisation of the chest wall. The postoperative course was uneventful. The management of the patient is discussed and the available literature reviewed.

Female↗

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a complication after extracorporal circulation.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) describes a defect of the optic nerve leading to irreversible loss of vision in most cases. Pathophysiology of this disease is manifold and has been discussed as a posthemorrhagic complication as well as a neurological complication after operations with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: On the basis of two cases, the clinical picture is described in relation to the available literature. Preoperative risk factors, operative data, cardiopulmonary-bypass, postoperative complications and clinical symptoms are discussed together with ophthalmologic findings in order to elucidate the pathophysiology of this process. RESULTS: There is no reliable and effective treatment of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Neither corticosteroids, osmotic diuretics, hemodilution nor surgical decompression of the optic nerve have proved successful. Hence, measures to avoid ischemic optic neuropathy have priority. The following risk factors were determined: History of glaucoma or other ophthalmological problems, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass-time and myocardial ischemia, general oedema during cardiopulmonary bypass, excessive hemodilution with low hemoglobin and hematocrit, hypo- or hypertension, systemic hypothermia, need for vasoactive medication. CONCLUSIONS: Influenced by a variety of factors, pathophysiological microvascular changes provoke anterior ischemic neuropathy with sudden painless loss of vision, irreversible in most cases. Since therapeutic trials have failed, prevention of possible causes is the only way to avoid this rare but severe complication of cardiac surgery.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Successful surgery after complete disruption of the right bronchial system.

A case of successful surgical repair of a complex rupture of the right bronchial system in a twenty-nine-year-old man is presented. Complete primary bronchial reconstruction and intensive postoperative care was required to provide bronchial continuity and to avoid major pulmonary resection. Problems concerning diagnosis, surgical technique, and postoperative management are discussed. The good postoperative outcome may encourage bronchial repair instead of resection in complex bronchial disruptions.

Accidents, Traffic↗