Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2010
Case ReportsCalcifying fibrous pseudotumours: an unusual case with multiple pleural and mediastinal lesions.
Calcifying fibrous pseudotumour (CFPT) is a rare soft tissue lesion that has been reported in the pleura and mediastinum. The literature contains reports of multiple pleural lesions. ⋯ However, many lesions remain. We discuss the clinical behaviour of CFPTs and the dilemma of leaving remaining lesions in situ.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyLow postoperative dose of aprotinin reduces bleeding and is safe in patients receiving clopidogrel before coronary artery bypass surgery. A prospective randomized study.
Clopidogrel (Plavix) given before the operation increases bleeding complications following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). High perioperative doses of aprotinin (Trasylol) are known to reduce bleeding and transfusions after cardiac surgery, but may increase the risk of thrombosis, renal impairment, and mortality. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical effects of aprotinin given in high doses intra- and postoperatively vs. a low postoperative dose in patients on clopidogrel. ⋯ Renal impairment and need for inotropic drugs were more frequent in the high dose group. Thirty-day mortality was similar (high dose 2%, low dose 0.5%, P=0.22). A low postoperative dose of aprotinin in patients receiving clopidogrel is safe and has comparable effects regarding postoperative bleeding complications as a high dose.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2010
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyIs advanced age a contraindication for emergent repair of acute type A aortic dissection?
With the general increase in human lifespan, cardiac surgeons are faced with treating an increasing number of elderly patients. The aim of our study was to investigate whether advanced age poses an increased risk for major morbidity and mortality with repair of acute type A aortic dissection. Between 2000 and 2008, 119 patients underwent emergency operation for acute type A aortic dissection at two institutions; 90 were younger than 70 years of age and 29 patients were 70 years or older. ⋯ No significant differences in operative mortality, major morbidity and actuarial 5-year survival were observed between patients >or=70 years and younger patients although there was a trend toward a lower actuarial 5-year survival in older patients. Surgery for type A acute aortic dissection in patients 70 years or older can be performed with acceptable outcomes. Hemodynamic instability portends a poor prognosis, regardless of age.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2010
Review Case ReportsArgatroban as a substitute of heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass: a safe alternative?
The patient with a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis who requires urgent cardiac surgery represents a formidable challenge. Among the alternatives to heparin, argatroban has gained widespread use in non-cardiac surgery patients. The object of this communication is to report our recent experience with this agent during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to review the cases previously published in order to better define indications, dosage, monitoring and limitations in cardiac surgery patients. ⋯ Because of unresolved issues like the possibility of clotting in the extracorporeal circuit and prolonged anticoagulation after discontinuing the drug, at present, the use of argatroban as a substitute of heparin during CPB should be restricted to those cases where the other thrombin inhibitors are contraindicated.
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Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Apr 2010
ReviewIn young patients with rheumatic aortic regurgitation compared to non-rheumatics is a Ross operation associated with increased incidence of autograft failure?
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written, according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: in young patients with rheumatic aortic regurgitation compared to non-rheumatics is a Ross operation associated with increased incidence of autograft failure? The pulmonary autograft with its inherent advantages of viable autologous transplant, central laminar flow, freedom from prosthetic valve complications, side effects of anticoagulation, and growth potential is considered a well-accepted option for aortic valve replacement in young patients. However, the use of a pulmonary autograft in young patients with rheumatic aortic valve disease is controversial. ⋯ All eight publications were from two institutions with one reporting outcomes for a Ross operation vs. mechanical valve implantation and two compared results of the Ross operation in rheumatic vs. non-rheumatic aortic valve disease. We conclude that the current available evidence suggests that pulmonary autograft is susceptible to rheumatic involvement. Use of pulmonary autograft in young patients (<30 years) with rheumatic aortic regurgitation and concomitant mitral regurgitation requires a cautious approach as there is an impaired autograft durability in this subgroup of patients.