Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · May 2010
Case ReportsThree-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in Ebstein's anomaly.
Three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography has advantages over traditional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography in visualizing tricuspid valve morphology in Ebstein's anomaly. We describe the application of intra-operative 3D transesophageal echocardiography during a tricuspid valve repair procedure in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly. ⋯ Analysis of the tricuspid valve, RVOT and pulmonary valve in the multi-planar review (MPR) mode revealed a bicuspid pulmonary valve, which had not been noticed on the preoperative 2D echocardiographic work-up. In this patient with Ebstein's anomaly, 3D TEE provided additional information on morphology and function of tricuspid valve, RVOT and pulmonary valve.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · May 2010
Case ReportsSafety of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with bilateral total carotid occlusions.
The presence of bilateral carotid artery occlusions in patients that require coronary artery bypass surgery is rare. Here, we report the successful coronary revascularization of two patients with cardiopulmonary bypass under moderate hypothermia. ⋯ The vertebral blood flows of both patients were also found to be highly increased. Following successful surgery, the postoperative courses were uneventful and patients were discharged from the hospital on the seventh postoperative day.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · May 2010
Comparative StudyDespite modern off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting women fare worse than men.
Female gender is an established risk factor for worse outcomes after cardiac surgery. Avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for coronary bypass grafting has an unknown effect on gender differences. Herein, we evaluate if gender has an impact on outcomes after modern off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). ⋯ OPCAB offers low mortality and excellent clinical outcome. Women are more likely to experience postoperative complications. Even if partially neutralized by avoiding CPB, gender differences remain present with modern OPCAB strategies.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · May 2010
Review Case ReportsIn patients with cardiac injuries caused by sewing needles is the surgical approach the recommended treatment?
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: 'In patients with sewing needle cardiac injuries is the surgical approach the recommended treatment?' The scientific literature was reviewed by searching Medline, using Ovid interface, from 1950 to August 2009. Six hundred and twenty-six papers were found, of which 24 were deemed relevant to this topic. ⋯ Patients can remain asymptomatic for many years. However, they may present many years later with complications such as pericarditis, tamponade or endocarditis. Strict follow-up is useful in those patients.