Browsing by Author "Basel, Halil"
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Conference Object The Analyses of Arteriovenous Fistula Complication in Short and Long Term in Our Clinic(Karger, 2010) Basel, Halil; Odabasi, Dolunay; Ekim, HasanArticle Analysis of the Influences of Short-Term Levosimendan Exposure on Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Trace-Element Levels in the Physiological Status of the Thoracic Aorta of Rats(Springer, 2012) Aydin, Cemalettin; Ay, Yasin; Basel, Halil; Kavak, Servet; Inan, Bekir; Bektas, Hava; Demir, HalitThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of levosimendan (chemical formula C14H12N6O) exposure on oxidant/antioxidant status and trace-element levels in the thoracic aorta of rats. Eighteen male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of eight animals each. Group 1 was not exposed to levosimendan and served as a control. Levosimendan (12 mu g/kg) diluted in 10 ml 0.5 % dextrose was administered intraperitoneally to group 2. Animals of both groups were killed after 3 days, and their thoracic aortae were harvested for determination of changes in tissue oxidant/antioxidant status and trace-element levels. The animals in both groups were killed 72 h after levosimendan exposure, and thoracic aortae were harvested for determination of the lipid peroxidation product MDA and antioxidant GSH levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GSH-Px and CAT. It was found that MDA, GSH and CAT enzyme levels increased in thoracic aortae of rats after levosimendan administration. SOD and CA enzyme activities and the level of antioxidant GSH decreased in thoracic aortae of rats after levosimendan treatment. Pb, Cd and Fe levels of thoracic aortae were significantly higher (P < 0.001) and Mg, Mn, Zn and Cu were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the levosimendan group compared to the control group. These results suggest that short-term levosimendan treatment caused an increase in free radical production and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity in thoracic aortae of levosimendan-treated rats. It also causes a decrease or increase in many mineral levels of the thoracic aorta, which is an undesirable condition for normal pharmacological function.Article Basilic Vein Transposition Fistulas Versus Prosthetic Bridge Grafts in Patients With End-Stage Renal Failure(Elsevier Science inc, 2011) Basel, Halil; Ekim, Hasan; Odabasi, Dolunay; Kiymaz, Adem; Aydin, Cemalettin; Dostbil, AysenurBackground: Basilic vein transposition fistulas (BVTFs) and prosthetic bridge grafts (PBGs) provide good vascular access for hemodialysis. To evaluate the patency and complication rates after arteriovenous fistula formation, a concurrent series of patients was reviewed. Methods: Between September 2003 and September 2009, 147 hemodialysis access procedures were performed in 147 consecutive patients at Van Research and Training Hospital and Yuzuncu Yil University Hospital, Van, Turkey. All access procedures were planned on the basis of preoperative duplex scans of arm and forearm veins. Functional patency was defined as the ability to cannulate hemodialysis patients successfully. Primary and secondary cumulative functional patency rates of BVTFs and PBGs were determined with life-table analysis and differences were analyzed with retrospective study. Differences in revision rates, including thrombolysis thrombectomies and operative revisions, were analyzed with the Fisher exact t-test. Results: Mean follow-up was 15 months (range, 3-24 months). Risk factors were similar between the two groups. BVTFs had better patency at 15 months. The dialysis access complications were higher in the PBG group versus BVTF group, and the PBG group had a higher infection rate than the BVTF group. Conclusion: The primary and secondary patency rates were superior in the BVTF group. Our data strongly support the contention that as long as the patient is a candidate for an upper arm BVTF based on anatomical criteria, BVTF always be considered before a PBG.Article Cervical Paragangliomas: Experience of 114 Cases in 14 Years(Assoc Brasileira Otorrinolaringologia & Cirurgia Cervicofacial, 2021) Basel, Halil; Bozan, NazimIntroduction and objective: To report a single center experience with carotid body paraganglioma cases that were treated by the same surgeon in a city with high prevalence of paragangliomas due to high altitude. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the demographic, clinicopathological and radiological data of 104 patients diagnosed with cervical paragangliomas between 2003 and 2017. The patients were classified according to the Shamblin classification. Results: In this study a total of 104 patients (33 male and 71 female, with a mean age of 54.6 +/- 13 years) diagnosed with cervical paragangliomas located on carotid bifurcation between 2003 and 2017 were included. Among those patients, 10 presented with bilateral tumors and in total, 114 paragangliomas were managed in this period. The mean diameter of the tumors was 5.12 +/- 1.45 cm. Malignant tumor was determined in only one (0.9%) patient. All patients were operated. In 12 patients with the tumor diameter larger than 5 cm, preoperative coil embolization was achieved. In 14 patients, preoperative angiographic embolization was employed and in 4 patients intraoperative sclerosing agent injections were performed. Facial paralysis was observed in 2 patients and dysphagia was present in 1 patient, Homer syndrome was seen in 1 patient and hoarseness was reported in 7 patients after operation. All those complications improved during follow-up. Mortality was not reported in any cases. Conclusion: Surgery is the definitive treatment for patients with cervical paragangliomas. Although, it may be difficult in patients with the advanced Shamblin types, in experienced hands, complication rates are very low. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. on behalf of Associacao Brasileira de Otorrino-laringologia e Cirurgia Cervico-Facial.Article Constrictive Pericarditis Associated With a Mass Mimicking Pericardial Cyst(int Scientific Literature, inc, 2008) Ekim, Hasan; Tuncer, Mustafa; Basel, Halil; Gunes, YilmazBackground: Constrictive pericarditis can be defined as a syndrome resulting from compression of the heart caused by rigid, thickened, and frequently fused pericardial membranes, and represents the end stage of any inflammatory process involving the pericardium. We present a rare case of chronic calcified constrictive pericarditis associated with a calcified mass mimicking pericardial cyst. Case Report: A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, abdominal swelling, and edema of lower extremities. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a thickened calcified pericardium associated with a pericardial mass with a thick calcified shell (8x6x4.5 cm) compressing the right ventricle. Results of thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were in compliance with the CT results. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of chronic calcified constrictive pericarditis associated with a pericardial cyst was made. At the time of surgery, extensive pericardial calcifications and a cystic mass containing only hematoma were found. The calcified pericardial sac was decorticated laterally at a level just above the course of the phrenic nerve on both sides. A pathological diagnosis of idiopathic constrictive pericarditis was made. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. Ten days after the operation, he was discharged in good condition. Conclusions: Presentation of constrictive pericarditis associated with a cystic mass consisted of hematoma and compressing the right ventricle is extremely rare but does occur. It should be operated on with CPB on standby, especially if erosion of the right ventricle has suspected.Article Effect of Levosimendan Injection on Oxidative Stress of Rat Myocardium(Sage Publications inc, 2013) Basel, Halil; Kavak, Servet; Demir, Halit; Meral, Ismail; Ekim, Hasan; Bektas, HavaThis experiment was designed to investigate the effect of levosimendan injection on lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels, and activities of antioxidant enzymes in myocardium of rats. Twenty male Wistar-albino rats were divided randomly into 2 study groups, each consisting of 10 rats. The animals in the first group were not treated with drug and served as control. It was found that the MDA and GSH levels decreased in levosimendan injected group. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities were lower in levosimendan injected group than controls. It was concluded that lower tissue free radical level caused by levosimendan injection led to a lower antioxidant enzymes synthesis in the body and a decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activity and free radical scavenger level in myocardium of rat.Article Effect of Short-Term Treatment With Levosimendan on Oxidative Stress in Renal Tissues of Rats(Sage Publications inc, 2014) Gecit, Ilhan; Kavak, Servet; Yuksel, Mehmet Bilgehan; Basel, Halil; Bektas, Hava; Gumrukcuoglu, Hasan Ali; Demir, HalitThe aim of this study is to evaluate the influences of short-term treatment with levosimendan (chemical formula: C14H12N6O) on oxidative stress and some trace element levels in renal tissues of healthy rats. A total of 20 male Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 10 rats. Animals in the first group were not treated with levosimendan and served as control. Animals in the second group were injected intraperitoneally with 12 mu g/kg levosimendan and served as levosimendan group. Animals in both the groups were killed 3 days after the treatment, and their kidneys were harvested for the determination of tissue oxidant/antioxidant statues and trace element levels in renal tissues. The tissue malondialdehyde level was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in levosimendan group than in controls. The protective enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and antioxidant glutathione level were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in levosimendan group than in controls. It was concluded that levosimendan reduced oxidative stress by avoiding lipid peroxidation and production of reactive oxygen species, and overactivating and/or increasing the protective antioxidant enzyme levels in renal tissues of rats. It is supposed that this experimental study provides beneficial data for clinicians in the management of renal tissue damage related to obstruction and/or ischemia.Article The Effects of Levosimendan Exposure on Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Trace Element Levels in the Pulmonary Artery of Rats(Springer, 2013) Ay, Yasin; Aydin, Cemalettin; Basel, Halil; Bektas, Hava; Bulut, Gulay; Inan, Bekir; Demir, IsmailWe investigated both the effect of levosimendan and the role of oxidant/antioxidant status and trace element levels in the pulmonary artery of rats. Fourteen male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of seven animals each. Group 1 was not exposed to levosimendan and served as a control. Levosimendan (12 mu g/kg) diluted in 10 ml 0.9 % NaCl was administered intraperitoneally to group 2. Animals of both groups were killed after 3 days, and their pulmonary arteries were harvested to determine changes in tissue oxidant/antioxidant status and trace element levels. The animals in both groups were killed 72 h after the levosimendan exposure treatment, and pulmonary arteries were harvested to determine levels of the lipid peroxidation product MDA and the antioxidant GSH as well as the decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GSH-Px and CAT. It was found that MDA levels increased in pulmonary artery tissues of rats after levosimendan administration. The GSH level decreased in the pulmonary artery of rats after levosimendan treatment. Co, Mn, Fe, Cd and Pb levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) and Mg, Zn and Cu levels significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the levosimendan group compared to the control group. These results suggest that levosimendan treatment caused an increase in free radical production and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity in the pulmonary artery of levosimendan-treated rats. It also caused a decrease or increase in the levels of many minerals in the pulmonary artery, which is an undesirable condition for normal pharmacological function.Article Effects of Posterior Pericardiotomy on the Incidence of Pericardial Effusion and Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Revascularization(int Scientific Literature, inc, 2006) Ekim, Hasan; Kutay, Veysel; Hazar, Abduessemed; Akbayrak, Hakan; Basel, Halil; Tuncer, MustafaBackground: The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to assess the efficacy of posterior pericardiotomy in decreasing the prevalence of pericardial effusion and postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). Material/Methods: The study was performed in 100 patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) between October 2003 and July 2005. They were randomized to receive posterior pericardiotomy (Group A) or no posterior pericardiotomy (Group B). A 4-cm longitudinal incision was made parallel and posterior to the left phrenic nerve, extending from the left inferior pulmonary vein to the diaphragm in group A patients. Posterior pericardiotomy was not performed in group B patients. Results: Early pericardial effusion developed in 6 patients (12%) of group A and 21 patients (42%) of group B; no late pericardial effusion developed in group A, but did in 3 patients (6%) of group B. The number of patients who developed postoperative AF was significantly lower in the fenestration group compared with the control group (10% vs. 30%, p<0.010). The overall incidence of supraventricular tachycardia in patients with early pericardial effusion was significantly higher than in patients without early pericardial effusion (18 patients vs. 9 patients). Conclusions: These findings suggest that posterior pericardiotomy reduces the prevalence of early pericardial effusion and related AF by improving pericardial drainage in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.Conference Object The Efficiency and The Confidence of The Single Dose Outpatient Low Molecular Weight Heparin Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis(Karger, 2010) Odabasi, Dolunay; Basel, Halil; Ekim, HasanArticle Emergent Surgical Retrieval of an Embolized Septal Occluder From the Main Pulmonary Artery(Professional Medical Publications, 2011) Ekim, Hasan; Odabasi, Dolunay; Gunes, Yilmaz; Basel, HalilSurgical closure of ASD has been used for over 50 years and appears to be a safe and effective operation. However, over the past decade, transcatheter closure techniques have been increasingly practiced. We present a case of 51-year old woman with atrial septal defect (ASD). She presented with progressive decrease in exercise tolerance. Echocardiographic examination showed the ASD and a 26mm septal occluder device (Cardio-fix septal occluder) was successfully deployed under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance. However, the patient suddenly complained of palpitation and sustained ventricular tachycardia thirty minutes after the procedure. A repeat echocardiographic examination confirmed embolization of the device into main pulmonary artery. Due to failure of capture of the device via multisnare, the patient was immediately taken to the operating room for removal of the device and surgical closure of the defect. The embolized device was grasped and retrieved from proximal pulmonary artery between index and middle fingers inserted into the main pulmonary artery via the tricuspid and pulmonary valves. The ASD was closed by running nonabsorbable polypropylene suture. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient was discharged home after a total of six days of hospitalization.Article The Last Option Before the Prosthetic Graft in Arteriovenous Fistula Formation: Brachiobasilic Vein Transposition(Ortadogu Ad Pres & Publ Co, 2011) Inan, Bekir; Aydin, Unal; Basel, Halil; Erkalp, Kerem; Yasar, Tahsin; Keskin, SiddikObjective: Simple arteriovenous fistulas created with cephalic vein provide good vascular access for hemodialysis. Brachiobasilic vein transposition (BBVT) and prosthetic graft (PG) are two alternative methods for vascular access if cephalic vein occlusion have occured. In this study we aimed to compared these two methods and determine the advantages of the procedure. Material and Methods: From June 2006 to April 2009, 83 patients who had undergone BBVT and PG procedures were analyzed retrospectively. The cases were evaluated with their follow up data of 24 months. Trombosis, patency, infection, revision and infection rates were determined with Chi Square and Fischer's Exact tests. Results: No significiant difference was determined between the groups for demographic data and risk factors. However, trombosis (p=0.021), patency (p=0.040), infection (p=0.001) and revision (p=0.001) rates of BBVT group were superior to PG group. Mortality was similar in both groups (p=0.46). Conclusion: BBVT procedure with high patency and low infection rate is an efficient, safe and preferred method for vascular access.Article Management of Constrictive Pericarditis: a Comparative Study Between Median Sternotomy and Left Thoracotomy(Professional Medical Publications, 2010) Ekim, Hasan; Basel, Halil; Odabasi, Dolunay; Tuncer, MustafaObjective: Constrictive pericarditis (CP) requires pericardiectomy but the choice of surgical approach remains controversial. Hence we have reviewed our experience of pericardiectomy carried out for CP and compared the results of pericardiectomy performed by median sternotomy versus left thoracotomy with regard to functional outcomes. Methodology: The study group consisted of 33 patients with CP who underwent pericardiectomy from May 1999 to January 2010 at our institution. There were 22 female and 11 male patients, ranging in age from 5 to 57 years with a mean age of 45 years. Pericardiectomy was performed via median sternotomy in 17 patients (Group A). In the remaining 16 patients (Group B), pericardiectomy was performed via a left anterolateral thoracotomy in the fifth intercostal space. Results: During the subsequent follow-up, both groups of patients showed a similar and significant improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. In the group A, the mean NYHA functional class decreased from 3.3 +/- 0.7 to 1.8 +/- 0.5 (P = 0.0004). In group B, the mean functional class decreased from 3.2 +/- 0.9 to 1.6 +/- 0.6 (P = 0.00005). Also, both groups had a similar and significant improvement in their mean CVP. In the group A, the mean central venous pressure (CVP) decreased from 15.2 +/- 3.1 mmHg to 8.3 +/- 3.2 mmHg (P<0.005). In the group B, the mean CVP decreased from 15.1 +/- 4.9 mmHg to 7.7 +/- 2.4 mmHg (P<0.004). Conclusion: Constrictive physiopathology is a problem primarily of the ventricles and can be alleviated by decorticating both the right and left ventricles. Therefore, CP could be relieved through the left thoracotomy or median sternotomy in most cases. However, echocardiographic findings should be considered to prefer thoracotomy or sternotomy approach.Article Management of Giant Venous Aneurysms Secondary To Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients(Professional Medical Publications, 2011) Ekim, Hasan; Odabasi, Dolunay; Basel, Halil; Aydin, CemalettinObjective: An aneurysmal fistula can continue to provide hemodialysis access for along time, but giant aneurysms should be operated on to prevent complication. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience of the surgical management of giant venous aneurysms that have developed as a complication of dialysis access. Methodology: Twenty patients with giant venous aneurysms of the AVF underwent surgical procedures at our hospital from December 2003 to December 2010. The diagnoses were made by physical examination and Color Doppler Ultrasonography. Results: There were 12 male and 8 female patients ranging in age from 29 to 68 years with a mean age of 44.6 +/- 12.3 years. Plication of the aneurysmal dilatations was performed in 17 patients. In two patients, aneurysmal dilatations were excised with restoration of the artery. The remaining one patient who received a successful renal transplantation was also associated with brachial artery aneurysm. Venous aneurysmal dilatations were excised and arterial aneurysms were repaired. All patients experienced a marked decrease in the size of venous dilatations. There were no vascular complications during the follow-up period. Conclusion: We suggest that plication is safe and effective in controlling venous dilatation and achieving patency. Reinforcing the suture line using an external mesh may not be required. However, prospective randomized studies will be required to assess the long-term outcomes.Article Management of Penetrating Heart and Accompanying Lung Injuries(Professional Medical Publications, 2010) Ekim, Hasan; Basel, Halil; Odabasi, Dolunay; Tuncer, Mustafa; Gumrukcuoglu, Hasan AliObjective: Penetrating heart injury is potentially a life threatening condition due to cardiac tamponade or exsanguinating hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to evaluate victims who were referred to our hospital with penetrating heart and accompanying lung injuries and to review our overall outcome with this type of combined injuries. Methodology: Twenty patients with combined penetrating heart and lung injuries were operated at Yuzuncu Yil University Research Hospital, between May 1999 and January 2010. The diagnosis of combined heart and lung injuries was proved by surgical exploration in all cases. The surgical procedures mainly included the relief of cardiac tamponade, control of bleeding, repair of cardiac and pulmonary lacerations, and coronary artery bypass grafting if required. Results: In this series of 20 patients; there were 18 males and two females between the age of 14 to 60 years, with a mean age of 34.8+/-13.5 years. Seventeen victims sustained stab wounds, and the remaining three were injured by a gunshot wounds. In 20 patients there were 22 cardiac chamber injuries. The most commonly injured cardiac chamber was the right ventricle followed by the left ventricle. In addition to the injuries to heart muscle, injuries to the coronary arteries were found in two patients. The most commonly injured lung lobe was the left upper lobe. Conclusion: Our experience shows that early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention are the main factors affecting patient survival after penetrating heart and lung injuries. Therefore, heart injury should always be kept in mind in victims with penetrating thoracic injuries.Conference Object Management of Popliteal Artery Injuries(Karger, 2010) Basel, Halil; Odabasi, DolunayArticle Management of Traumatic Popliteal Vein Injuries(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2012) Ekim, Hasan; Basel, Halil; Odabasi, DolunayPurpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate different repair methods of popliteal vein injuries, and to assess the relationship between early patency and surgical outcome. Methods: Thirty patients with popliteal vein injuries underwent surgical repair procedure at our hospital from March 2000 to April 2010. Patients who were haemodynamically unstable and those with massive bleeding from limb wounds were taken directly to the operating room. Stable patients underwent preoperative colour-flow duplex ultrasonography (CFDU). Results: Our study group consisted of 26 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 17 to 60 years with a mean age of 25.3 +/- 5.9 years. The mechanism of trauma was penetrating in 27 patients and blunt in the remaining 3 patients. Treatment included primary venous repair in 11 cases, end-to-end anastomosis in 8, interposition vein graft in 10, and interposition polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft in 1. There were 26 patients with associated arterial injury, of which 4 cases had primary repair, 9 had end-to-end anastomosis, 11 had saphenous vein graft interposition, and 2 had PTFE graft interposition. Associated bone fracture was seen in 6 patients. There were no deaths. One patient required a below-knee amputation. Postoperative CFDU revealed thrombosed venous repair in 7 cases without any sequelae. Conclusion: Popliteal venous injuries can be repaired with minimal downside and a good early patency rate. Additionally, transient venous patency allows for establishment of venous and lymphatic collateralisation. Alternatively, venous ligation should be considered only in unstable patients who refuse blood transfusion (Jehovah's witnesses). In these victims, adjuvant management may be required such as the use of fasciotomy and anticoagulation treatment. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Article Our Experience of Infrapopliteal Revascularization of Lower Extremity in Ten Years(Professional Medical Publications, 2011) Basel, Halil; Ekim, Hasan; Aydin, Cemalettin; Goya, CemilObjective: In this study the long term results of infrapopliteal arterial revascularization procedure was evaluated. The efficiency of distal revascularization was also searched for the treatment of critical limb ischemia. Methodology: From 1999 to 2009 32 patients underwent infrapopliteal revascularization procedure in our hospital for the treatment of critical limb ischemia. Demographic data of patients are: 23 male, 9 female and mean age was 60.5. Hypertension (n:15, 46.3%), diabetes mellitus (n:16, 50%), smoking (n:29, 90.6%) were the risk factors. The patients were classified in Fontaine III (n:25) and Fontaine IV (n:7). Extremity viability and long term patency was detected with limb examination, Doppler Ultrasonography and angiography. The cases were evaluated for post operative mortality, morbidity and primary graft patency for one year. Results: Mean follow up period was 21.3-/+15.9 monthes (12-60 monthes). Two patients died in early post operative period. Eight patients underwent re-operation. Re-operations were performed on six patients for the treatment of acute graft thrombosis and two patients for the control of surgical bleeding. The long term graft patency was 38% and extremity recovery rate was 46%. In post operative early period two minor and one major amputation was performed. Conclusion: Infrapopliteal arterial revascularization procedure is an efficient method for the treatment of critical limb ischemia and high rate of long term patency is the main advantage of this procedure.Article Outcomes of De Vega Versus Biodegradable Ring Annuloplasty in the Surgical Treatment of Tricuspid Regurgitation (mid-Term Results)(Forum Multimedia Publishing, Llc, 2010) Basel, Halil; Aydin, Unal; Kutlu, Hakan; Dostbil, Aysenur; Karadag, Melike; Odabasi, Dolunay; Aydin, CemalettinPurpose: The aim of this study was to compare De Vega semicircular annuloplasty and a new biodegradable ring annuloplasty technique in patients requiring surgical intervention for tricuspid valve disease with concomitant disease of the mitral valve. Methods: Between January 2004 and May 2008, 129 consecutive patients underwent annuloplasty procedures to correct tricuspid valve regurgitation during a concomitant mitral valve operation requiring replacement. Additionally, 24 patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR), 11 underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 5 underwent AVR plus CABG, 3 underwent mitral valve replacement plus atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, and 2 underwent ASD closure. The patients in this study were assigned to 2 groups: Kalangos ring annuloplasty was performed in 67 patients (group 1), and De Vega semicircular annuloplasty was performed in the remaining 62 patients (group 2). Results: Both tricuspid valve repair techniques produced a low rate of complications; however, the number of patients who developed residual tricuspid regurgitation was significantly lower in group 1. Conclusion: The biodegradable ring annuloplasty technique may be used easily and safely in moderate and severe cases of tricuspid regurgitation; however, larger clinical series are necessary to confirm our promising results.Article Renal Cell Carcinoma Extending Into the Inferior Caval Vein: Report of Two Cases(Professional Medical Publications, 2010) Basel, Halil; Gecit, Ilhan; Odabasi, Dolunay; Ceylan, Kadir; Ekim, Hasan; Taken, KeremRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare neoplasm and rarely extends to IVC. Perinephric and venous system invasion is an important prognostic sign for RCC. The tumor may grow intraluminally into the renal vein and Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) as an extension of primary tumor. In this report, we present two unusual case of venous system involvement, invasion of RCC into SVC. RCC with tumor thrombus extension into the IVC remains a difficult operative challenge. However surgical intervention should be performed. Our cases were successfully operated and their post operative recovery was uneventful.