[HSF] bagged Cx

[DukeB60 at aol.com]

Thanks Bob,
    I believe the suture technique you describe is that  used by Carpentier 
in placing annular sutures.  While I don't have the  needle go into the 
ventricular cavity, I do attempt to angle the needle in the  manner you describe.  
Yes, I do wear loupes on mitral and aortic cases as I  think it helps to be more 
precise in every aspect of the case.  I don't  wear them for thoracic cases 
but do for all cardiac  procedures.  Although I have heard of the cx. being 
compromised in  mitral valve cases, this is my first experience and it isn't the 
kind of  circumstance in which I thought it would happen.  Fortunately she is 
doing  exceptionally well and should be home today or tomorrow.  Because the 
echo  shows a full return of infero/lateral wall motion I think we'll skip the 
angio.  as either my grafts or her native coronary is functioning well and I'm 
not sure  her management would change either way.  Thanks for taking the time 
to  respond.
 
                                                                              
                      Ed
 
Edward P.  Raines, M.D., J.D.
BryanLGH Cardiothoracic Surgery
BryanLGH Medical Center  East
1600 South 48th Str.
Lincoln, Nebraska 68506
Office:  402-481-8430
Cell: 402-730-9242
Fax:  402-481-8429