Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Jul 2014
A need for speed? Bypass time and outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement surgery.
To determine in the modern era if cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time has a significant effect on postoperative morbidity, mortality and long-term survival in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery. ⋯ Despite improvements over time with regard to morbidity, mortality and long-term survival, CPB time remains a significant factor determining mediastinal blood loss, ICU and hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Jul 2014
Case ReportsSimultaneous cusp-sparing aortic root replacement and coarctectomy with total arch replacement from the midline incision.
Four cases of simultaneous surgery for aortic root aneurysm with aortic regurgitation and coarctation of the aorta were presented. Age at surgery ranged from 18 to 37 years and all were male. All had annuloaortic ectasia and dilatation of the ascending aorta, 3 had bicuspid aortic valve and 1 had acute localized aortic dissection. ⋯ Antegrade cerebral perfusion was used for brain protection. All patients survived and postoperative pressure difference between the upper and lower extremities disappeared. Postoperative aortogram was satisfactory.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Jul 2014
Impact of vacuum-assisted closure therapy on outcomes of sternal wound dehiscence†.
Sternal wound dehiscence (SWD) after cardiac surgery is a rare but serious condition associated with considerable costs and morbidity. We sought to evaluate the results of the introduction of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in the management of sternal wound dehiscence, compared with those of previous conventional treatments. ⋯ In our experience, the use of VAC therapy for the management of SWD was considerably effective in decreasing mortality (SWD related), incidence of complications and need for surgical procedures; thus, leading to a significant reduction of costs.