the surgical results were not satisfactory because of progressive graft thrombosis and formation of new aneurysms at the anastomosis. Aggressive medical treatment should be combined when major vessel involvement occurs. All types of arterial punctures for angiography or blood gases should be minimised because of the risk of new aneurysm formation. Surgical intervention is indicated only in patients with a growing aneurysm, acute rupture or severe ischaemia.

Recent experimental studies have described protective effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the intestine. We hypothesize that to reach a new point of view on the effect of IPC in intestinal barrier function, the relationship between I/R-induced mucosal injury and apoptosis must first be clarified. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of IPC on intestinal apoptosis and probable contributions of bcl-2 expression to this process. We also investigated the effect of intestinal IPC on ileal malondyaldihyde levels. Forty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups each consisting of 11 rats: sham-operated control, I/R group (30 min of superior mesenteric artery occlusion), IPC-I/R group (10 min of temporary artery occlusion prior before an ischemic insult of 30 min), and IPC alone group (10 min of preconditioning). Twenty-four hours later, ileum samples were obtained. Ileal malondyaldihyde levels were increased in the I/R group (31.9 +/- 18.8 vs. 106.8 +/- 39.8) but not in the IPC alone and IPC-I/R groups (38.1 +/- 13.6 and 44.7 +/- 12.7; P < 0.01). The number of apoptotic cells was significantly lower in IPC-I/R group than that of I/R group, and these findings were further supported by DNA laddering and M30 findings. Diminished bcl-2 expression observed in the ileal specimens of I/R group was prevented by IPC. Our results indicate that IPC may provide a protective effect on ileal epithelium and that this effect is probably the result of a significant increase in the expression of bcl-2 after the insult. The reversal of apoptosis by IPC might help preserving the vitality of intestinal structures that have a critical function, cessation of which often leads to multiorgan dysfunction syndrome.

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Use of the internal thoracic artery is the gold standard for coronary bypass surgery. Bilateral internal thoracic artery use is encouraged, especially in young patients. There are various techniques of harvesting. The LigaSure device has been used successfully as a low heat generating electrothermal vessel sealer in laparoscopic and open surgery for a long time. An internal thoracic artery harvesting technique is described, using a LigaSure Maryland Jaw 23-cm open sealer/divider through a thoracotomy and LigaSure Exact Dissector through a sternotomy. LigaSure devices can be used for pedicled or skeletonized internal thoracic artery harvesting with almost equal precision and safety.