Thesis (doctoral)--Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität zu München, 1979.

Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Medicine. Johannesburg 23 April 2015 / Knowledge of the anatomical variation in the carotid arterial system is important in understanding the pathogenesis and surgical treatment of atheroma. Thus, this study investigated the anatomical variation of the carotid arterial system and the frequency of atheroma within a South African population. The carotid arterial systems were exposed bilaterally in 77 adult cadavers using standard dissection. The level of the carotid bifurcation, position and curving of the carotid arteries and frequency of common trunks and atheroma were recorded. In addition, the lengths and diameters of the carotid arteries and branches as well as the bifurcation angle were measured. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The carotid bifurcation most commonly occurred at the C3-C4 intervertebral disc. White males had longer common carotid arteries than white females. The lengths of the internal and external carotid arteries were longer in white males compared to black males. There was a higher frequency of curving of the carotid arteries in white females compared to white males. The thyro-lingual trunk was the most common trunk within the sample. The internal carotid artery was postero-lateral to the external carotid artery within most individuals. In addition, atheroma was observed at the carotid bifurcation in all individuals. The level of the carotid bifurcation, positioning, length and diameter of the carotid arteries in the South African population are similar to descriptions in anatomical texts. The differences found within the study may be attributable to the age of the sample as well as the embryological development of the carotid arteries within the South African population. These variations may influence blood flow within the carotid arteries. Thus, knowledge of these variations may aid in understanding the aetiology and the surgical treatment of atheroma.

Introduction: Hypertension is the number one risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) is strongly involved in blood pressure homeostasis. TPR is primarily determined by resistance arteries (RAs). Pathogenic factors which change RA structure are associated with cardiovascular disease. Despite this, methods employed in the study of RAs lack efficiency. Methods: A polymer microfluidic device (Artery-on-a-Chip Device, AoC) made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was developed. RAs from CD1 mice were measured on the device. Their responses to phenylephrine (PE), acetylcholine (Ach), FURA-2 imaging, and 24-h culture were assessed. Results: Following several modifications, vessel function on the AoC device was successfully measured. Robust PE constriction and Ach-induced vasodilation were observed. AoC arteries were viable after 24-hour culture, and FURA-2 was successfully imaged. Conclusions: The AoC device is a viable alternative to cannulation myography. The AoC can greatly increase the efficiency of RA studies, while also decreasing training time and difficulty.

Introduction: Hypertension is the number one risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) is strongly involved in blood pressure homeostasis. TPR is primarily determined by resistance arteries (RAs). Pathogenic factors which change RA structure are associated with cardiovascular disease. Despite this, methods employed in the study of RAs lack efficiency. Methods: A polymer microfluidic device (Artery-on-a-Chip Device, AoC) made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was developed. RAs from CD1 mice were measured on the device. Their responses to phenylephrine (PE), acetylcholine (Ach), FURA-2 imaging, and 24-h culture were assessed. Results: Following several modifications, vessel function on the AoC device was successfully measured. Robust PE constriction and Ach-induced vasodilation were observed. AoC arteries were viable after 24-hour culture, and FURA-2 was successfully imaged. Conclusions: The AoC device is a viable alternative to cannulation myography. The AoC can greatly increase the efficiency of RA studies, while also decreasing training time and difficulty.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common cardiac surgical operation performed in western countries, and is also increasingly being performed in developing countries. However the long-term results of CABG using the saphenous vein graft have not been satisfactory. Surgeons have therefore been seeking a better conduit. The radial artery (RA) is a potentially suitable alternative conduit and has to date provided good early results. This thesis investigates the utility of the RA as a coronary artery bypass graft from a number of perspectives. It demonstrates the safety of RA harvesting by examining hand collateral circulation using anatomical dissection, physical examination using the modified Allen test, measuring digital blood pressure, and examining the flow velocity in the digital artery using Doppler ultrasound. Anatomical examinations revealed consistent continuity between the RA and ulnar artery in the hand through either superficial or deep palmar arches. The modified Allen test was found to be useful as a screening test compared with the Doppler dynamic test and digital blood pressure index. A histological comparison was made between pre-existing intimal disease in the RA compared with that in the standard conduit the internal thoracic artery (ITA). The RA showed a higher prevalence and degree of intimal disease than ITA. Risk factors for intimal hyperplasia in the RA were age, diabetes, smoking and peripheral vascular disease. The only predictor for medial calcification was age. (For complete abstract open document)

Thesis (M. Nurs.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005.

The purposes of this study were to explore the relationships between uncertainty and quality of life indicators in patients recovering from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and to investigate the differences in uncertainty and quality of life indicators between primary CABG patients and reoperation patients. The indicators of quality of life selected for this study were the patient's perception of health status and life satisfaction. A convenience sample of 41 primary CABG patients and 11 reoperation patients who were five to ten months postoperative completed the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (Community Version) (MUISCV), the General Health Rating Index (GHRI), the Cantril Self-Anchoring Scale, and a patient information sheet. Uncertainty, past life satisfaction, and present life satisfaction did not significantly differ between the primary and reoperation patients. Both groups of patients perceived moderately low uncertainty, and were moderately satisfied with their present lives. Trends in the ratings of past, present, and future life satisfaction suggested that CABG surgery was associated with an improvement in life satisfaction and optimism for the future in both primary CABG patients and reoperation patients. Reoperation patients' perceptions of health status and projections of future life satisfaction were significantly less favorable than those of the primary CABG patients suggesting that the quality of life following CABG surgery is lower for the reoperation patients. Uncertainty was significantly negatively associated with perceptions of health status, present life satisfaction, and future life satisfaction. This finding suggests that higher uncertainty is associated with a lower quality of life in CABG patients who are five to ten months postoperative. The findings were discussed in relation to theoretical expectations, other research studies, and the methodological problems inherent in the study. Implications of the findings for nursing practice were suggested. Recommendations for future research were made. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Nursing, School of / Graduate

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