scholarly journals New Application of an Instantaneous Frequency Parameter for Assessing Far Infrared Fabric Effects in Aged Subjects

Electronics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 138
Author(s):  
Hai-Cheng Wei ◽  
Yun-Qin Li ◽  
Guan-Sheng Wu ◽  
Ming-Xia Xiao ◽  
Xiao-Jing Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Instantaneous Frequency ◽  
Far Infrared ◽  
Finger Blood Flow ◽  
Stiffness Index ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Aged Subjects ◽  
The Time Domain ◽  
Group 1

A microcirculation microscope has recently been introduced to reveal finger blood flow changes by visualization, before and after using far-infrared fabric. Digital volume pulses (DVPs) from the dominant index fingertip of healthy young subjects (Group 1, n = 66) and healthy upper middle-aged subjects (Group 2, n = 33) were acquired through a photoplethysmographic electrical device (PED). By using the one intrinsic mode function (i.e., IMF5), an instantaneous frequency difference (ΔfEmax) was revealed through the second part of the Hilbert–Huang transformation. Parameters from DVPs in the time domain, i.e., the stiffness index, crest time, crest time ratio, and finger perfusion index, were also obtained for comparison. The results showed significant differences in FPI and ΔfEmax between the two groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.043, respectively). A significant ΔfEmax was also noted for the two groups under the effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) (Group 1: p = 0.046; Group 2: p = 0.002). In conclusion, this study aimed to validate a self-developed and economical device, with a good extensibility, which can be operated in a domestic setting, and to demonstrate that the PED performed quantitative indexes on finger blood flow comparable to those investigated through a microcirculation microscope.

scholarly journals P318 Left atrial dysfunction assessed by echocardiography in relation to left atrial fibrosis in patients undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Pilichowska ◽  
J Baran ◽  
P Kulakowski ◽  
B Zaborska
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Electrophysiological Study ◽  
Stiffness Index ◽  
P Value ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Left Atrial Dysfunction ◽  
Left Atrial Fibrosis ◽  
Group 1

Abstract PURPOSE Left atrial (LA) fibrosis is the hallmark of LA remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF), alters LA function and may predict poor catheter ablation (CA) outcome. LA fibrosis may be assessed invasively using electroanatomical mapping (EAM) during electrophysiological study. The aim was to assess LA function parameters in relation to degree of LA fibrosis derived from EAM in patients with AF. METHODS Patients (pts) n = 39 (79% males, mean age 56+/-10) with non-valvular AF were studied with TTE and TEE before first CA during sinus rhythm. LA strain (LAS) and strain rate (LASR) were analyzed in reservoir (r), conduit (cd) and contractile (ct) phases. The velocities of mitral A, E" and A" were measured with Doppler. E/E" and LA stiffness index - the ratio of E/E" to LASr were assessed. LA appendage flow velocity (LAAv) was measured in TEE. LA volume using biplane area-length method was calculated. The EAM of LA was build using Carto System before CA. Low amplitude potentials area (LAPA) was quantitatively analyzed and expressed as a percentage of LA surface using the cut-off <0.5 mV to detect sites of fibrosis. LA parameters were compared between mild (LAPA <10%) moderate (LAPA 10-40%) and extensive degree of LA fibrosis (LAPA >40%) (table). RESULTS The mean LA volume was 35 ± 11 mL/m². The LAPA ranged from 2 to 78 % of LA surface. Reduced LA function was observed in the LAPA >40% group. Extensive LAPA altered mainly LA compliance parameters. Traditional LA systolic function parameters did not differ in relation to degree of LAPA. CONCLUSION LA compliance is mostly affected by LA fibrosis, thus LA diastolic parameters may be useful in the noninvasive assessment of LA fibrosis. Whether these parameters should be a part of the proper selection of candidates for CA requires further studies. LA function parameters LA parameters Group 1 LAPA <10% n = 13 Group 2 LAPA >10% <40% n = 13 Group 3 LAPA >40% n = 13 P-value Group 1 + 2 vs 3 Mitral A 0.55 ± 0.10 0.55 ± 0.24 0.73 ± 0.32 0.077 A" 9.19 ± 1.74 7.85 ± 1.43 7.92 ± 2.40 0.376 LASr 31.48 ± 4.52 26.48 ± 8.79 19.63 ± 6.76 <0.001 LAScd 17.30 ± 3.05 15.44 ± 6.93 10.91 ± 4.04 0.003 LASct 14.18 ± 5.36 11.05 ± 3.67 8.72 ± 4.78 0.024 LASRr 1.22 ± 0.19 1.24 ± 0.21 0.92 ± 0.20 <0.001 LASRct -1.71 ± 0.46 -1.37 ± 0.34 -1.04 ± 0.33 <0.001 LA stiffness 0.20 ± 0.07 0.34 ± 0.17 0.63 ± 0.29 <0.001 LAAv 0.83 ± 0.18 0.55 ± 0.17 0.60 ± 0.16 0.178

Dopamine-1 receptor stimulation impairs intestinal oxygen utilization during critical hypoperfusion

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (2) ◽  
pp. H668-H675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge A. Guzman ◽  
Ariosto E. Rosado ◽  
James A. Kruse
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Mucosal Blood Flow ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oxygen Utilization ◽  
Hemorrhage Control ◽  
Receptor Stimulation ◽  
Anesthetized Dogs ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Increased Susceptibility ◽  
Group 1

Effects of a dopamine-1 (DA-1) receptor agonist on systemic and intestinal oxygen delivery (D˙o 2)-uptake relationships were studied in anesthetized dogs during sequential hemorrhage. Control ( group 1) and experimental animals ( group 2) were treated similarly except for the addition of fenoldopam (1.0 μg · kg−1 · min−1) in group 2. Both groups had comparable systemic criticalD˙o 2(D˙o 2crit), but animals in group 2 had a higher gut D˙o 2crit(1.12 ± 1.13 vs. 0.80 ± 0.09 ml · kg−1 · min−1, P < 0.05). At the mucosal level, a clear biphasic delivery-uptake relationship was not observed in group 1; thus oxygen consumption by the mucosa may be supply dependent under physiological conditions. Group 2 demonstrated higher peak mucosal blood flow and lack of supply dependency at higher mucosalD˙o 2 levels. Fenoldopam resulted in a more conspicuous biphasic relationship at the mucosa and a rightward shift of overall splanchnic D˙o 2crit despite increased splanchnic blood flow. These findings suggest that DA-1 receptor stimulation results in increased gut perfusion heterogeneity and maldistribution of perfusion, resulting in increased susceptibility to ischemia.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION IN THE SURVIVAL OF PATIENTS WITH ALTERED CORONARY BLOOD FLOW DETECTED BY TRANSTHORACIC ULTRASOUND

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-60
Author(s):  
M. S. Kamenskikh ◽  
A. V. Zagatina ◽  
N. T. Zhuravskaya ◽  
Yu. N. Fedotov ◽  
D. V. Shmatov
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Coronary Blood Flow ◽  
Myocardial Revascularization ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Coronary Events ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1 ◽  
Flow Velocities

Aim of the study was to identify the effects of myocardial revascularization on the prognosis in patients with altered coronary blood flow detected by transthoracic ultrasound.Material and Methods. Four hundred and twelve (412) patients were included in the study. The inclusion criterion was coronary velocity more than 70 cm/s during echocardiography. The study population was divided into three groups: Group 1 comprised patients with high velocities in the coronary arteries detected by ultrasound, in whom myocardial revascularization was performed; Group 2 comprised patients with high velocities in the coronary arteries, in whom myocardial revascularization was not performed and; the Control Group comprised patients with normal coronary blood flow according to ultrasound. The follow-up period was 10–11 months.Results. Seventeen (17) deaths (4.7%) occurred during follow-up. Death rates were 1.6 vs. 8.1 vs. 0% in Group 1, Group 2 and the Control Group, respectively, with a p-value for the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p1) of <0.009; and a p-value for the differences compared with the Control group (р2) of <0.03. Death, myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, and acute coronary syndrome were observed in 27 patients (7.7% of the study group with accelerated blood flow). The rates of these outcomes were 4.9 vs. 11.0 vs. 0% in Group 1, Group 2, and the Control Group, respectively (p1<0.05; p2<0.006). Discussion. The study showed high rates of mortality or acute coronary events in the group of patients with pathologically high coronary flow velocities. The positive effects of revascularization on survival in this group were verified.Conclusions: 1. Left artery coronary flow velocities over 70 cm/s indicate a high probability of death or acute coronary events within 10.5 months.2. Myocardial revascularization has a significant positive effect on the survival rate and incidence of acute coronary events in patients with coronary artery flow velocities greater than 70 cm/s.3. Patients with high coronary blood flow velocities should be referred to coronary angiography or other diagnostic tests without waiting for clinical manifestations and specific symptoms for coronary artery disease.

Effects of Sufentanil on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Intracranial Pressure in Patients with Brain Injury

1995 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 721-726. ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Werner ◽  
Eberhard Kochs ◽  
Hanswerner Bause ◽  
William E. Hoffman ◽  
Jochen Schulte am Esch
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Middle Cerebral Artery ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Blood Flow Velocity ◽  
Artery Blood Flow ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Norepinephrine Infusion ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background The current study investigates the effects of sufentanil on cerebral blood flow velocity and intracranial pressure (ICP) in 30 patients with intracranial hypertension after severe brain trauma (Glasgow coma scale &lt; 6). Methods Mechanical ventilation (FIO2 0.25-0.4) was adjusted to maintain arterial carbon dioxide tensions of 28-30 mmHg. Continuous infusion of midazolam (200 micrograms/kg/h intravenous) and fentanyl (2 micrograms/kg/h intravenous) was used for sedation. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP, mmHg) was adjusted using norepinephrine infusion (1-5 micrograms/min). Mean blood flow velocity (Vmean, cm/s) was measured in the middle cerebral artery using a 2-MHz transcranial Doppler sonography system. ICP (mmHg) was measured using an epidural probe. After baseline measurements, a bolus of 3 micrograms/kg sufentanil was injected, and all parameters were continuously recorded for 30 min. The patients were assigned retrospectively to the following groups according to their blood pressure responses to sufentanil: group 1, MAP decrease of less than 10 mmHg, and group 2, MAP decrease of more than 10 mmHg. Results Heart rate, arterial blood gases, and esophageal temperature did not change over time in all patients. In 18 patients, MAP did not decrease after sufentanil (group 1). In 12 patients, sufentanil decreased MAP &gt; 10 mmHg from baseline despite norepinephrine infusion (group 2). ICP was constant in patients with maintained MAP (group 1) but was significantly increased in patients with decreased MAP. Vmean did not change with sufentanil injection regardless of changes in MAP. Conclusions The current data show that sufentanil (3 micrograms/kg intravenous) has no significant effect on middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and ICP in patients with brain injury, intracranial hypertension, and controlled MAP. However, transient increases in ICP without changes in middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity may occur concomitant with decreases in MAP. This suggests that increases in ICP seen with sufentanil may be due to autoregulatory decreases in cerebral vascular resistance secondary to systemic hypotension.

315 USE OF PERIFOLLICULAR BLOOD FLOW TO PREDICT THE DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE OF BOVINE CUMULUS-OOCYTE COMPLEXES COLLECTED DURING REPEATED OVUM PICKUP SESSIONS ONCE OR TWICE WEEKLY

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hanstedt ◽  
K. Höffmann ◽  
Ä Honnens ◽  
H. Bollwein ◽  
C. Wrenzycki
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Small Individual ◽  
Color Flow ◽  
Color Flow Imaging ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Developmental Rates ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

On average, only 20% of the cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) develop to the blastocyst stage (Merton et al. 2003 Theriogenology 59, 651–674). An increase in the blood supply to individual follicles appears to be associated with follicular growth rates, whereas a reduction seems to be closely related to follicular atresia (Acosta et al. 2003 Reproduction 125, 759–767). The purpose of this study was to determine whether qualitative perifollicular blood flow changes can be used to predict the developmental competence of COC collected during repeated ovum pickup (OPU) sessions once or twice weekly. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 20) were used as oocyte donors. After dominant follicle removal, OPU was performed twice (group 1, for 3 weeks) or once (group 2, for six weeks) weekly employing a 7.5-MHz transducer (GE 8C-RS) of an ultrasound scanner (GE Logiq Book). Follicle size and Doppler characteristics were recorded by transvaginal ultrasonography just before COC collection using color flow imaging. Owing for technical limitations for measurement of blood flow in small individual follicles, only the presence or absence of blood flow was assessed for each follicle. When a clearly visible blue or red spot (blood flow) was detected in the follicle wall, it was considered as a follicle with detectable blood flow. Follicles with or without detectable blood flow from each individual cow were aspirated separately. After morphological classification of COC, standard protocols for IVP were used for embryo production (Wrenzycki et al. 2001 Biol. Reprod. 65, 323–331). Cleavage and blastocyst rates were recorded at Day 3 and Day 8, respectively. In total, 464 (246 with and 218 without detectable blood flow) and 243 (125 with and 118 without detectable blood flow) follicles ≥3 mm were aspirated in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Morphology of the COC was similar in all groups. Developmental rates for COC stemming from follicles with or without detectable blood flow in group 1 did not show differences for cleavage rates, 54.0% (34/63) and 56.7% (45/81), and for blastocyst rates, 25.4% (16/63) and 22.2% (18/83), respectively. In group 2, the cleavage rates were also similar for COC originating from follicles with and without detectable blood flow, 54.3% (25/46) and 51.5% (34/66). However, developmental rates up to the blastocyst stage did show a significant difference, 23.9% (11/46) and 15.2% (10/66) for COC aspirated from follicles with or without detectable blood flow (P ≤ 0.05). These results show that using COC originating from follicles with detectable perifollicular blood flow collected once weekly may have a higher developmental competence compared to those from follicle without detectable blood flow. Within the detection limits of this study, differences in perifollicular blood flow during repeated OPU sessions once weekly were predictive of oocyte competence. Ruthe Research Farm, Germany, for providing the animals; Masterrind GmbH, Germany, for donation of the semen; and the HW Schaumann Stiftung for financial support.

Influence of adenosine on cerebral blood flow during hypoxic hypoxia in the newborn piglet

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 1534-1541 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Laudignon ◽  
E. Farri ◽  
K. Beharry ◽  
J. Rex ◽  
J. V. Aranda
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cerebral Blood Flow ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Severe Hypoxia ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Csf Levels ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Arterial Po2 ◽  
Group 1

This study investigated the role of adenosine in the regulation of neonatal cerebral blood flow (CBF) during moderate (arterial PO2 = 47 +/- 9 Torr) and severe (arterial PO2 = 25 +/- 4 Torr) hypoxia. Twenty-eight anesthetized and ventilated newborn piglets were assigned to four groups: 8 were injected intravenously with the vehicle (controls, group 1); 13 received an intravenous injection of 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT), a potent adenosine receptor blocker, either 4 mg/kg (group 2, n = 6, mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels less than 1 mg/l) or 8 mg/kg (group 3, n = 7, mean CSF levels less than 3.5 mg/l); and 7 received an intracerebroventricular injection of 10 micrograms 8-PT (group 4). During normoxia, CBF was not altered by vehicle or 8-PT injections. In group 1, 10 min of moderate and severe hypoxia increased total CBF by 112 +/- 36 and 176 +/- 28% (SE), respectively. Compared with controls, the cerebral hyperemia during moderate hypoxia was not altered in group 2, attenuated in group 3 (to 53 +/- 13%, P = NS), and completely blocked in group 4 (P less than 0.01). CBF increase secondary to severe hypoxia was attenuated only in group 4 (74 +/- 29%, P less than 0.05). CSF concentrations of adenosine and adenosine metabolites measured by high-performance liquid chromatography increased during hypoxia. Arterial O2 content was inversely correlated (P less than 0.005) to maximal CSF levels of adenosine (r = 0.73), inosine (r = 0.87), and hypoxanthine (r = 0.80).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tracheobronchial and upper airway blood flow in dogs during thermally induced panting

1987 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 2240-2246 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. Baile ◽  
S. Guillemi ◽  
P. D. Pare
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Mucosal Blood Flow ◽  
Thermally Induced ◽  
Dry Air ◽  
Airway Mucosa ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Humidified Air ◽  
Group 1

Tracheobronchial blood flow increases two- to fivefold in response to isocapnic hyperventilation with warm dry or cold dry air in anesthetized, tracheostomized dogs. To determine whether this response is governed by central nervous system thermoregulatory control or is a local response to the drying and/or cooling of the airway mucosa, we studied eight anesthetized spontaneously breathing dogs in a thermally controlled chamber designed so that inspired air temperature, humidity, and body temperature could be separately regulated. Four dogs breathed through the nose and mouth (group 1), and four breathed through a short tracheostomy tube (group 2). Dogs were studied under the following conditions: 1) a normothermic control period and 2) two periods of hyperthermia in which the dogs panted with either warm 100% humidified air or warm dry (approximately 10% humidified) air. Radiolabeled microspheres (15 +/- 3 micron diam) were injected into the left ventricle as a marker of nasal, lingual, and tracheobronchial blood flow. After the final measurements, the dogs were killed and tissues of interest excised. Results showed that lingual and nasal blood flow (ml.min-1.g-1) increased during panting (P less than 0.01) in both groups and were not affected by the inspired air conditions. In group 1, tracheal mucosal blood flow barely doubled (P less than 0.01) and bronchial blood flow did not change during humid and dry air panting. In group 2, there was a sevenfold increase in tracheal mucosal and about a threefold increase in bronchial blood flow (P less than 0.01), which was only observed during dry air panting.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Contemporary aspects of pathogenetically substantiated therapy of adenomyosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 92-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arutyun F Arutyunyan ◽  
Sergey N Gaydukov ◽  
Vitaly N Kustarov
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Uterine Blood Flow ◽  
Uterine Arteries ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Pathogenic Effects ◽  
Group 1

The purpose of our study was to assess the effectiveness of the use of drugs containing indole-3-carbinol and epigallocatechin-3 gallate in combination with effective natural methods (TES-therapy and hirudotherapy) depending on the degree of morphological adenomyosis. The study involved 205 women with diffuse adenomyosis. Based on survey data from 205 women surveyed in 67 verified adenomyosis first degree (Group 1), 79 - second degree adenomyosis (group 2), and 59 - third degree adenomyosis (group 3). Doppler results showed that in patients with adenomyosis first degree nizkorezistentny uterine blood flow was observed. Improvement of clinical symptoms of the disease, increasing the numerical values of R & D in the uterine arteries at the first degree adenomyosis indicates pathogenic effects of the proposed treatment. At the same time in patients with adenomyosis II-III degree was observed with highly bloodstream, indicating the deterioration of blood flow in the uterine vascular basin, as evidenced by some of hemostasis. Thus, studies have provided credible evidence pathogenesis mediated relations between the characteristics of the circulation of the uterus, the processes of neoangiogenesis, proliferation in the myometrium and the extent of spread of the disease, which will choose the appropriate methods of conservative treatment. Using drugs and Indinol epigallat affecting the basic pathogenetic mechanisms of adenomyosis, opens a new direction in the treatment of this disease, and effective natural methods - new opportunities in the treatment of adenomyosis.

Post-traumatic Spinal Epidural Hematoma

Neurosurgery ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 11 (1_pt_1) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Foo ◽  
Alain B. Rossier
Keyword(s):  
Epidural Hematoma ◽  
Spinal Fracture ◽  
Fracture Dislocation ◽  
Spinal Epidural Hematoma ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Spinal Epidural ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Five patients with vertebral fracture and spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) are described. Another 58-year-old man developed a post-traumatic SEH without bony damage. From the literature, 38 patients (31 male, 4 female, and 3 unknown) were collected. Ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis was noted in 9 of 12 subjects between 50 and 75 years of age. Two groups of patients were identified: Group 1—16 patients with spinal fracture (aged 23 to 63 years), and Group 2—22 patients without spinal fracture (the age was less than 18 years in 12 subjects). In Group 2, a coagulation defect or spinal epidural vascular malformation resulted in a SEH in 6 patients. The preoperative myelopathy was complete in 3 patients each from Group 1 (23.1%) and Group 2 (16.7%). Of the 31 patients operated upon, 9 of the 13 from Group 1 (69.3%) and 6 of the 18 from Group 2 (33.3%) underwent laminectomy within I week after the onset of symptoms. Postoperative neurological return was observed in 38.5% (5 of 13) and 88.9% (16 of 18) of these two groups of patients, respectively. Post-traumatic SEHs, predominant in the male population, are often associated with vertebral disease in elderly patients. In the very young patient, there is usually no fracture/dislocation of the spine. A predisposing lesion may be present when spinal fracture is not evident. The prognosis after surgical intervention is better in patients without spinal fracture than in those with vertebral damage, probably because of less contusion to the spinal cord and the presence of very young subjects in the former group of patients.

scholarly journals Ultrastructural Investigations of Arterial Bypass Conduits after the Use of Different Harvesting Techniques Using an Electron Microscope

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. E070-E075
Author(s):  
İhsan Sami Uyar ◽  
Dogan Kahraman ◽  
Gökhan Keskin ◽  
Emced Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Harmonic Scalpel ◽  
Graft Occlusion ◽  
Harvesting Time ◽  
Harvesting Technique ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Pathologic Findings ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Cabg Patients ◽  
Group 1

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform morphometric analysis of arterial conduits harvested by harmonic scalpel in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. Methods: From 100 CABG patients, 200 arterial conduits—100 radial arteries (RAs) and 100 left internal thoracic artery (LITAs)—were harvested. The patients had similar characteristics (mean age, sex ratio, comorbidities, etc.). We divided the patients into 2 groups according to harvesting technique. In group 1, a harmonic scalpel was used in 50 patients for harvesting arterial conduits (50 LITA and 50 RA). In group 2, conduits were harvested using low-voltage electrocautery. To prevent side effects of clipping, all conduits in both groups remained in perfused condition until anastomosis. A 10-mm length of conduit was cut for transmission electron microscopy investigation. We calculated duration of harvesting, blood flow changes, and histopathologic changes of the conduits according to a vessel scoring system. Results: In the harmonic scalpel group, we detected pathologic findings—corruption of endothelial integrity, subendothelial damage, and endothelial pathology—in 5 specimens (10%) (3 LITA  [6%] and 2 RA [4%]). In group 2, pathologic findings were detected in 16 conduits (32%; 11 LITA, 22%, and 5 RA, 10%). Endothelial dissection, subendothelial disarrangement, cellular separation due to intercellular edema, and subadventitial hematoma were the main pathologic changes in the classic harvesting method. There was a significant difference between the groups (P = .001). Harvesting time of LITA was nearly similar in both groups: 26.9 ± 11.1 min (range 25-38) in group 1 and 21.3 ± 8.6 min (range 21-25) in group 2 (P = .049). RA harvesting time was significantly shorter with the harmonic scalpel technique (20.3 ± 3.9 versus 27.6 ± 5.4 min, P = .022). The blood flow of the conduits was similar, with no statistical difference for the 2 arterial conduits (LITA, P = .76; RA, P = .55). Conclusion: In the learning curve period, the use of a harmonic scalpel is time consuming and presents some difficulties during the harvesting of conduits. According to our study results, however, the harmonic scalpel technique may be useful because of decreased pathology, including spasm. In our opinion, graft occlusion or thrombus as a life-threatening condition and endothelial dysfunction may decrease with the use of this alternative harvesting technique.

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