Innovative communication tool in cardiac surgery Reddy DJ, Balasubramanian P, Ponraj P, Muralidharan KV, AshokK, Raju PSN Vijaya Heart Foundation, Chennai Background: Mankind continuously strain for the betterment of life and communication is an important tool for new invention and quality of life. Way back form the age of X ray lobbies and Tagarnos, to modern compact disks and computers, surgeons and students have to cluster around one screen to view and interact with imaging materials like coronary angiogram and echocardiograms.Methods: We developed a back-to-back monitor that allow two or more users seated across from each other to simultaneously view, share and work with the same digital content. Further, incorporation of simple software features or as plug-ins in proprietary content enables partial masking of content, selective information display, and provides interactive tools and features on anyone side, respectively. This monitor can also be switched off on one side, for single use.Results: Seated on either side of a notebook or desktop computer monitor, simultaneously viewing, sharing and digitally interacting with the same contents, like coronary angiogram, echocardiograms and complex surgeries is made easy with this device. Presentations and patient education can be effectively carried out.Conclusions: Medical training as well the professional need for explaining complex anatomical/physiological, clinical conditions to patients and their families, prior to surgery can be effectively addressed with this monitor, maintaining face-to-face contact.

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Objective: To compare left atrial (LA) versus Biatrial (BA) modified Maze using radiofrequency micro bipolar coagulation and cryoablation in patients with chronic AF and large LA(size>6cm).Methods: 47 patients of rheumatic mitral valve disease with atrial fibrillation (AF) and Left Atrial size>6cm underwent mitral valve surgery from March 2003 to June 2005. In addition to mitral valve surgery, they underwent either LA or BA modified maze procedure in two groups A and B consisting of 24 and 23 patients ( LA and BA Maze groups respectively).Both the groups were comparable in terms of age, gender and LA size. All patients who remained in AF following surgery underwent cardioversion on the 7th day.Amiodarone was given postoperatively for 3 months to all patients. All the patients were followed up after 3 months with electrocardiogram.Results: Mean age of patients were 35years, 23 were male(48.9%). Follow-up was done on 3rd month with ECG. Immediate postcardiopulmonary bypass, 12.5% of patients in group A and 26.1% of groupB had junctional rhythm, 29.2% of group A and 26.16% of group B converted to sinus rhythm and 58.3% of group A and 56.5% of group B remained in AF. 29.16% of patients in group A and 34.5% of group B converted to sinus rhythm at the end of 3months while 53.15% remained in AF.Conclusions: Both LA as well as BA modified maze procedure was effective in restoring sinus rhythm in only 29.16% and 34.5% of the study groups respectively. There was stastically no significant difference among the 2 groups studied in restoring patients to sinus rhythm at the end of 3 months.

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