ABSTRACT Introduction: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) constitute the most prevalent congenital pathology, and they are a consequence of structural and functional abnormalities during fetal development. The etiology of CHD involves the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Fetal cardiac surgery aims at preventing natural pathways of CHD in utero, mitigating progression to more complex abnormalities. The goal of this review was to demonstrate the benefits and risks of fetal interventions in the two most prevalent CHDs, pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum, but also critical aortic stenosis and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods: Original and relevant articles were selected by meta-aggregation to perform a qualitative analysis of fetal cardiac interventions for pulmonary stenosis and critical aortic stenosis. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (or JBI-QARI) was used for data quality appraisal. Results: Of 61 potential articles, 13 were selected, and nine were finally included. Discussion: The present review demonstrated that fetal cardiac surgery increases right ventricular growth and hemodynamic flow in pulmonary stenosis, whereas in critical aortic stenosis it enables growth of the left ventricle and increases left ventricular pressure. However, it has a high complication rate, along with considerable morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: The benefits of fetal cardiac surgery for pulmonary stenosis and critical aortic stenosis are well-described in the literature; however, there is a significant risk of complications which can be reduced by the surgeon’s technical expertise and well-structured hospital facilities.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) constitute the most prevalent congenital pathology, and they are a consequence of structural and functional abnormalities during fetal development. The etiology of CHD involves the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Fetal cardiac surgery aims at preventing natural pathways of CHD in utero, mitigating progression to more complex abnormalities. The goal of this review was to demonstrate the benefits and risks of fetal interventions in the two most prevalent CHDs, pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum, but also critical aortic stenosis and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods: Original and relevant articles were selected by meta-aggregation to perform a qualitative analysis of fetal cardiac interventions for pulmonary stenosis and critical aortic stenosis. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (or JBI-QARI) was used for data quality appraisal. Results: Of 61 potential articles, 13 were selected, and nine were finally included. Discussion: The present review demonstrated that fetal cardiac surgery increases right ventricular growth and hemodynamic flow in pulmonary stenosis, whereas in critical aortic stenosis it enables growth of the left ventricle and increases left ventricular pressure. However, it has a high complication rate, along with considerable morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: The benefits of fetal cardiac surgery for pulmonary stenosis and critical aortic stenosis are well-described in the literature; however, there is a significant risk of complications which can be reduced by the surgeon’s technical expertise and well-structured hospital facilities.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) data provided by the Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgeries in Adults (BYPASS) Registry is a Brazilian reality. Objective: To carry out a comparative exercise between the BYPASS Registry published data and data from patients operated on in a randomly chosen period (2013-2015) at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP). Methods: This is a retrospective study reviewing 173 electronic medical records of CABG patients from the HCFMRP-USP. These data were compared with the BYPASS Registry published data. Chi-square test was used to verify the changes within the prevalence of adequate/inadequate biochemical tests before and after surgery. The sample was divided into groups consistent with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (CPB ≤ 120 minutes and CPB > 120 minutes). For the complications, prevalence by the chi-square test was adopted. Significant P-values are < 0.05. Results: The comparative operative data of the BYPASS Registry and the HCFMRP-USP patients were quite similar, except for the isolate use of only arterial grafts, which was more frequent on HCFMRP-USP patients (30.8% vs. 15.9%), and the use of radial artery, also more frequent on HCFMRP-USP patients (48.8% vs. 1.1%) Conclusion: The comparative study suggested that the BYPASS Registry should be a reference for CABG quality control.

Abstract Background Pericardial window, in addition to promoting pericardial drainage, can also provide samples of the pericardium for anatomopathological examination. However, such biopsies’ contribution to clarifying the etiology of pericardial effusion has been debated. Objective To analyze the diagnostic value of non-targeted pericardial biopsy obtained from pericardial window procedures. Methods Data from 80 patients who had undergone parietal pericardial biopsies from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical significance was considered if p < 0.05. Results Fifty patients were male (62.5%,) and 30 were female (37.5%). The median age was 52 years (interquartile range: 29 to 59) and 49 years (interquartile range: 38 to 65), respectively (p = 0.724). The suspected etiology of pericardial effusion was neoplastic in 31.3%, unclear in 25%, tuberculosis in 15%, autoimmune in 12.5%, edemagenic syndrome in 7.5%, and other miscellaneous conditions in 8.8%. The most frequent approach for pericardial drainage and biopsy was subxiphoid (74%), followed by video-assisted thoracoscopy (22%). Overall, in 78.8% of the biopsies, the histopathologic findings were compatible with nonspecific inflammation, and only 13.7% of all biopsies yielded a conclusive histopathological diagnostic. Those suffering from cancer and pericardial effusion had a higher proportion of conclusive histopathologic findings (32% had pericardial neoplastic infiltration). The hospital mortality rate was 27.5%, and 54.5% of the patients who died in the hospital had cancer. No deaths were attributed to cardiac tamponade or the drainage procedure. Conclusion Our results showed that pericardial window is a safe procedure, but it had little value to clarify the pericardial effusion etiology and no impact on the planned therapy for the primary diagnosis besides the cardiac decompression.

Resumo Fundamento A janela pericárdica, além de promover a drenagem pericárdica, também pode fornecer amostras do pericárdio para exame anatomopatológico. No entanto, a contribuição dessas biópsias para a elucidação da etiologia do derrame pericárdico tem sido debatida. Objetivo Analisar o valor diagnóstico da biópsia pericárdica não guiada obtida de procedimentos de janela pericárdica. Métodos Foram revisados retrospectivamente dados de 80 pacientes submetidos a biópsia pericárdica parietal de 2011 a 2020. A significância estatística foi considerada quando p < 0,05. Resultados Cinquenta pacientes eram do sexo masculino (62,5%) e 30 do sexo feminino (37,5%). A mediana de idade foi de 52 anos (intervalo interquartil: 29 a 59) e 49 anos (intervalo interquartil: 38 a 65), respectivamente (p = 0,724). A etiologia suspeita do derrame pericárdico foi neoplásica em 31,3%, incerta em 25%, tuberculose em 15%, autoimune em 12,5%, síndrome edemigênica em 7,5% e outras condições diversas em 8,8%. A abordagem mais frequente para drenagem pericárdica e biópsia foi a subxifoide (74%), seguida pela videotoracoscopia (22%). Em 78,8% das biópsias, os achados histopatológicos foram compatíveis com inflamação inespecífica, e apenas 13,7% de todas as biópsias produziram um diagnóstico histopatológico conclusivo. Aqueles que sofriam de câncer e derrame pericárdico apresentaram maior proporção de achados histopatológicos conclusivos (32% apresentavam infiltração neoplásica pericárdica). A taxa de mortalidade hospitalar foi de 27,5% e 54,5% dos pacientes que morreram no hospital tinham câncer. Nenhuma morte foi atribuída ao tamponamento cardíaco ou ao procedimento de drenagem. Conclusão Nossos resultados mostraram que a janela pericárdica é um procedimento seguro, mas teve pouco valor para esclarecer a etiologia do derrame pericárdico e nenhum impacto na terapia planejada para o diagnóstico primário além da descompressão cardíaca.

Resumo Fundamento: Geralmente vista como uma característica da velhice, a fragilidade também pode ocorrer em pessoas não idosas, principalmente naquelas que sofrem de doenças crônicas. A fragilidade pode aumentar o risco operatório. Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de fragilidade em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM) e/ou troca ou reconstrução valvar e/ou cirurgia valvar, bem como a influência da fragilidade nos desfechos pós-operatórios. Métodos: Nosso estudo incluiu 100 adultos que foram submetidos a operações cardíacas eletivas consecutivas. A fragilidade foi avaliada por meio da escala de Fried. Os pacientes também realizaram um teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, e medimos as pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: De uma coorte de 100 pacientes, com base nos critérios de fragilidade de Fried, 17 pacientes (17%) foram considerados frágeis, 70 (70%) pré-frágeis e apenas 13 (13%) não frágeis. Entre os portadores de valvopatia, 11 (18,6%) foram considerados frágeis e 43 (73%) pré-frágeis. Cinquenta e três por cento dos pacientes considerados frágeis tinham menos de 60 anos (mediana=48 anos). As diferenças no fenótipo de fragilidade entre os pacientes com valvopatia e doença arterial coronariana não foram estatisticamente significativas (p=0,305). A comparação entre pacientes não frágeis, pré-frágeis e frágeis não mostrou diferença significativa na distribuição das comorbidades e do estado funcional cardíaco, independentemente da doença cardíaca. No entanto, a mortalidade hospitalar mostrou-se significativamente maior em pacientes frágeis (29,4%, p=0,026) que em pacientes pré-frágeis (8,6%) e não frágeis (0%). Conclusões: A fragilidade é prevalente mesmo entre pacientes não idosos submetidos a CRM ou cirurgia cardíaca valvar e está associada a maior mortalidade hospitalar pós-operatória.

Abstract Background: Usually viewed as a characteristic of old age, frailty may also occur in non-elderly people, primarily in those suffering from chronic disease. Frailty may increase operative risk. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of frailty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) and/or heart valve replacement or reconstruction and/or heart valve surgery, as well as the influence of frailty on postoperative outcomes. Methods: Our study comprised 100 adults who underwent consecutive elective cardiac operations. Frailty was assessed using the Fried scale. Patients also performed a 6-minute walk test, and we measured maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of a cohort of 100 patients, based on the Fried frailty criteria, 17 patients (17%) were considered frail, 70 (70%) pre-frail and only 13 (13%) were non-frail. Among patients with valvular heart disease, 11 (18.6%) were considered frail and 43 (73%) pre-frail. Fifty three percent of the patients considered frail were less than 60 years old (median=48 years old). The differences in frailty phenotype between patients with valvular heart disease and coronary artery disease were not statistically significant (p=0.305). A comparison between non-frail, pre-frail, and frail patients showed no significant difference in the distribution of comorbidities and cardiac functional status, regardless of their cardiac disease. However, hospital mortality was significantly higher in frail patients (29.4%, p=0.026) than in pre-frail patients (8.6%) and non-frail patients (0%). Conclusions: Frailty is prevalent even among non-elderly patients undergoing CABG or valvular heart surgery and is associated with higher postoperative hospital mortality.

Abstract Traumatic left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are rare and surgical correction is the treatment of choice. In this article, it is reported a case of a myocardial stab injury with primary suture and development of a giant pseudoaneurysm, five years later, that underwent surgical repair.

Abstract Introduction: Adrenocortical and renal cell carcinomas rarely invade the right atrium (RA). These neoplasms need surgical treatment, are very aggressive and have poor prognostic and surgical outcomes. Case series: We present a retrospective cohort of nine cases of RA invasion through the inferior vena cava (four adrenocortical carcinomas and five renal cell carcinomas). Over 13 years (2002-2014), nine patients were operated in collaboration with the team of urologists. Surgery was possible in all patients with different degrees of technical difficulty. All patients were operated considering the imaging examinations with the aid of CPB. In all reported cases (renal or suprarenal), the decision to use CPB with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) on surgical strategy was decided by the team of urological and cardiac surgeons. Conclusion: Data retrospectively collected from patients of public hospitals reaffirm: 1) Low incidence with small published series; 2) The selected cases did not represent the whole historical casuistry of the hospital, since they were selected after the adoption of electronic documentation; 3) Demographic data and references reported in the literature were presented as tables to avoid wordiness; 4) The series highlights the propensity to invade the venous system; 5) Possible surgical treatment with the aid of CPB in collaboration with the urology team; 6) CPB with DHCA is a safe and reliable option; 7) Poor prognosis with disappointing late results, even considering the adverse effects of CPB on cancer prognosis are expected but not confirmed.

Objective to investigate the associations of preoperative anxiety and depression symptoms with postoperative complications and with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients submitted to the first coronary artery bypass graft. Method observational, analytical and longitudinal study. A consecutive non-probabilistic sample consisted of patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft. To evaluate the symptoms, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used. tracheal intubation for more than 48 hours, hemodynamic instability, sensorineural deficit, agitation, hyperglycemia, infection, nausea, vomiting, pain and death were classified as complications. The Mann-Whitney and Spearman Correlation tests were used, with a significance level of 0.05. Results a total of 75 patients participated. The group that presented hemodynamic instability in the postoperative period had a greater median for the anxiety symptoms (p = 0.012), as well as the women (p = 0.028). The median of the depression symptoms was higher in the group presenting nausea (p = 0.002), agitation (p <0.001), tracheal intubation for more than 48 hours (p = 0.018) and sensorineural deficit (p = 0.016). Conclusion there was association of the symptoms of preoperative anxiety with hemodynamic instability in the postoperative period and with the female gender, as well as association of depression symptoms with the following complications: nausea, agitation, time of intubation in the postoperative period and sensorineural deficit.

Objetivo investigar las asociaciones de los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión preoperatorios con complicaciones postoperatorias y con las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de pacientes sometidos a la primera cirugía de revascularización del miocardio. Método estudio observacional y analítico, longitudinal. Una muestra consecutiva y no probabilística fue constituida por pacientes sometidos a la cirugía de revascularización del miocardio. Para la evaluación de los síntomas, se utilizó el Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Se definen como complicaciones la entubación traqueal por encima de 48 horas, inestabilidad hemodinámica, déficit neurosensorial, agitación, hiperglucemia, infección, náusea, vómito, dolor y muerte. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Mann-Whitney y de Correlación de Spearman, con un nivel de significancia de 0,05. Resultados participaron 75 pacientes. El grupo que presentó inestabilidad hemodinámica en el postoperatorio obtuvo una mediana mayor para los síntomas de ansiedad (p=0,012), así como las mujeres (p=0,028). La mediana de los síntomas de depresión fue mayor en el grupo que presentó náusea (p=0,002), agitación (p<0,001), entubación traqueal por más de 48 horas (p=0,018) y déficit neurosensorial (p=0,016). Conclusión se encontró asociación de los síntomas de ansiedad preoperatorios con la inestabilidad hemodinámica en el postoperatorio y con el sexo femenino, así como asociación de los síntomas de depresión con las complicaciones: náusea, agitación, tiempo de permanencia de entubación en el postoperatorio y el déficit neurosensorial.

Objetivo investigar as associações dos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão pré-operatórios com complicações pós-operatórias e com as características sociodemográficas e clínicas de pacientes submetidos à primeira cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Método estudo observacional e analítico, longitudinal. Uma amostra consecutiva e não probabilística foi constituída por pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Para avaliação dos sintomas, utilizou-se o Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Elencaram-se como complicações a entubação traqueal acima de 48 horas, instabilidade hemodinâmica, deficit neurossensorial, agitação, hiperglicemia, infecção, náusea, vômito, dor e óbito. Utilizaram-se os testes de Mann-Whitney e de Correlação de Spearman, com nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados participaram 75 pacientes. O grupo que apresentou instabilidade hemodinâmica no pós-operatório obteve mediana maior para os sintomas de ansiedade (p=0,012), assim como as mulheres (p=0,028). A mediana dos sintomas de depressão foi maior no grupo que apresentou náusea (p=0,002), agitação (p<0,001), entubação traqueal por mais de 48 horas (p=0,018) e deficit neurossensorial (p=0,016). Conclusão encontrou-se associação dos sintomas de ansiedade pré-operatórios com a instabilidade hemodinâmica no pós-operatório e com o sexo feminino, bem como associação dos sintomas de depressão com as complicações: náusea, agitação, tempo de permanência de entubação no pós-operatório e deficit neurossensorial.

Objetivo investigar as associações dos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão pré-operatórios com complicações pós-operatórias e com as características sociodemográficas e clínicas de pacientes submetidos à primeira cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Método estudo observacional e analítico, longitudinal. Uma amostra consecutiva e não probabilística foi constituída por pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Para avaliação dos sintomas, utilizou-se o Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Elencaram-se como complicações a entubação traqueal acima de 48 horas, instabilidade hemodinâmica, deficit neurossensorial, agitação, hiperglicemia, infecção, náusea, vômito, dor e óbito. Utilizaram-se os testes de Mann-Whitney e de Correlação de Spearman, com nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados participaram 75 pacientes. O grupo que apresentou instabilidade hemodinâmica no pós-operatório obteve mediana maior para os sintomas de ansiedade (p=0,012), assim como as mulheres (p=0,028). A mediana dos sintomas de depressão foi maior no grupo que apresentou náusea (p=0,002), agitação (p<0,001), entubação traqueal por mais de 48 horas (p=0,018) e deficit neurossensorial (p=0,016). Conclusão encontrou-se associação dos sintomas de ansiedade pré-operatórios com a instabilidade hemodinâmica no pós-operatório e com o sexo feminino, bem como associação dos sintomas de depressão com as complicações: náusea, agitação, tempo de permanência de entubação no pós-operatório e deficit neurossensorial.

Objective to investigate the associations of preoperative anxiety and depression symptoms with postoperative complications and with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients submitted to the first coronary artery bypass graft. Method observational, analytical and longitudinal study. A consecutive non-probabilistic sample consisted of patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft. To evaluate the symptoms, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used. tracheal intubation for more than 48 hours, hemodynamic instability, sensorineural deficit, agitation, hyperglycemia, infection, nausea, vomiting, pain and death were classified as complications. The Mann-Whitney and Spearman Correlation tests were used, with a significance level of 0.05. Results a total of 75 patients participated. The group that presented hemodynamic instability in the postoperative period had a greater median for the anxiety symptoms (p = 0.012), as well as the women (p = 0.028). The median of the depression symptoms was higher in the group presenting nausea (p = 0.002), agitation (p <0.001), tracheal intubation for more than 48 hours (p = 0.018) and sensorineural deficit (p = 0.016). Conclusion there was association of the symptoms of preoperative anxiety with hemodynamic instability in the postoperative period and with the female gender, as well as association of depression symptoms with the following complications: nausea, agitation, time of intubation in the postoperative period and sensorineural deficit.

Objetivo investigar las asociaciones de los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión preoperatorios con complicaciones postoperatorias y con las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de pacientes sometidos a la primera cirugía de revascularización del miocardio. Método estudio observacional y analítico, longitudinal. Una muestra consecutiva y no probabilística fue constituida por pacientes sometidos a la cirugía de revascularización del miocardio. Para la evaluación de los síntomas, se utilizó el Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Se definen como complicaciones la entubación traqueal por encima de 48 horas, inestabilidad hemodinámica, déficit neurosensorial, agitación, hiperglucemia, infección, náusea, vómito, dolor y muerte. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Mann-Whitney y de Correlación de Spearman, con un nivel de significancia de 0,05. Resultados participaron 75 pacientes. El grupo que presentó inestabilidad hemodinámica en el postoperatorio obtuvo una mediana mayor para los síntomas de ansiedad (p=0,012), así como las mujeres (p=0,028). La mediana de los síntomas de depresión fue mayor en el grupo que presentó náusea (p=0,002), agitación (p<0,001), entubación traqueal por más de 48 horas (p=0,018) y déficit neurosensorial (p=0,016). Conclusión se encontró asociación de los síntomas de ansiedad preoperatorios con la inestabilidad hemodinámica en el postoperatorio y con el sexo femenino, así como asociación de los síntomas de depresión con las complicaciones: náusea, agitación, tiempo de permanencia de entubación en el postoperatorio y el déficit neurosensorial.

Abstract Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is associated with a 4- to 5-fold strokes increase and may be responsible for 15% to 20% of all strokes in the elderly. In this scenario, the left atrial appendage thrombus would be the associated with 90% of cases. The use of anticoagulants, percutaneous devices, and the left atrial appendage surgical exclusion is still an open discussion. For left atrial appendage procedures, relevant anatomic spatial relationships have to be emphasized, besides the chance of the normal physiological functioning would be eliminated with the proceedings. There are evidences that the left atrial appendage closure during routine cardiac surgery is significantly associated with an increased risk of early postoperative atrial fibrillation. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to focus basic aspects for continuous medical education. In summary, the rationale of this text is to emphasize anatomical and pharmacological aspects involved in the simple surgical exclusion of left atrial appendage under cardiopulmonary bypass. There are several operative techniques, but to conclude this revision it will present one of them based on the discussed basic sciences.

Abstract Objective: This study aims to report the use of the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap for the treatment of the sternal wound dehiscence. Methods: A retrospective study including patients who underwent unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap was performed for the treatment of sternotomy dehiscence due to coronary artery bypass, valve replacement, congenital heart disease correction and mediastinitis, between 1997 and 2016. Data from the epidemiological profile of patients, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and mortality rate were obtained. Results: During this period, 11 patients had their dehiscence of sternotomy treated by unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap. The patients had a mean age of 54.7 years, the mean hospital stay after flap reconstruction was 17.9 days (from 7 to 52 days). In two patients, it was necessary to harvest a flap from the rectus abdominis fascia, in association with the pectoralis major muscle flap, to facilitate the closure of the distal wound. In the postoperative period, seroma discharge from the surgical wound was observed in six patients, five reported intense pain (temporary), three had partial cutaneous dehiscence, and two presented granuloma of the incision. Conclusion: The complex wound from sternotomy dehiscences presents itself as a challenge to surgical teams. Treatment should include debridement of necrotic tissue and preferably coverage with well-vascularized tissue. We propose that the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap is an interesting and low morbidity option for the reconstruction of sternal wound dehiscences, with proper sternum stability and satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Abstract Objective: In cardiac surgery, the lung, renal and neurological events are the most frequent complications. Less common, acute liver failure is a serious complication that adds high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Therefore, this communication aimed to retrospectively evaluate five patients who presented, in 2014, severe acute liver failure in the immediate postoperative period. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of patients' medical records that showed severe liver failure has been computed in the medical records of five patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the Hospital da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto – USP in the immediate postoperative period from February 1, 2014 to December 12, 2014. The study selected five males patients, 60 to 67 years old, cardiopulmonary bypass mean time of 101.4 minutes (varying from 80 to 140 minutes), who presented acute perioperative liver failure. Results: The five patients showed an impressive increase of blood transaminase (serum alanine aminotransferase), suggesting acute hepatitis. The evolution of all patients was catastrophic, with severe hemodynamic effects and death. Many studies suggest that systemic hypotension is an important pathogenic factor for ischemic hepatitis. However, our data and previous studies raise the possibility that other yet unknown factors other than hypotension may be part of the pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary bypass after ischemic hepatitis (anticoagulation inadequate for the quality of heparin and protamine, etc.). Conclusion: Currently, there are no conclusive studies on the prevention of perioperative liver failure. More well-designed studies are needed on the introduction and evolution of liver dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

Resumo Uma visão geral de estudos angiográficos na literatura mostrou que a prevalência da doença coronária significativa em pacientes com estenose aórtica (EA) varia de 20 a 60%. Os estudos iniciais de necropsia sugeriram que pacientes com EA tinham uma incidência abaixo do esperado de doença arterial coronariana (DAC), assim originando-se o conceito de um efeito protetor da EA nas artérias coronárias. O mito da proteção EA contra a DAC seria melhor explicado como uma interação endotélio-miocárdio (crosstalk) desencadeada pela sobrecarga do ventrículo esquerdo. Portanto, a via cGMP/NO, (guanosina monofosfato cíclico/Óxido nítrico) induzida pela pressão de sobrecarga da EA, explicaria a baixa incidência de DAC, o que é compatível com a surpreendente evolução natural em longo prazo dessa doença valvar cardíaca.

Abstract A literature overview of angiographic studies has shown that the prevalence of significant coronary disease in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) varies from 20 to 60%. Early necropsy studies suggested that patients with AS had a lower than expected incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD), originating the concept of a protective effect of AS on the coronary arteries. The myth of AS protection against CAD would be better explained as endothelium-myocardial interaction (crosstalk) protection triggered by left ventricular overload. Therefore, the cGMP/NO pathway induced by the AS overload pressure would explain the low incidence of CAD, which is compatible with the amazing natural long-term evolution of this cardiac valve disease.

Abstract Ventricular constraint therapy has been used to prevent and reverse the progression of heart failure in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. We hypothesized that ventricular restraint should be tried by closing the pericardium that was previously opened following left ventricle topographical projection. The surgical technique presentation is illustrated by a remarkable 13-year outcome of one patient with dilated cardiomyopathy treated surgically by mitral prosthesis, Cox/Maze III surgery to treat atrial fibrillation, and associated to the ventricular constraint using the patient's own pericardium. The ventricular pericardial restraint role is unclear, since the patient had multiple corrections that could be responsible for the good outcome; however it is viable deserving investigations.