The Annals of thoracic surgery
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We are analyzing our experience with treatment of desmoid tumors of the chest wall and adjacent structures. ⋯ Desmoid tumors involving the chest and adjacent structures are locally aggressive tumors with a high recurrence rate. Wide radical resection should be attempted whenever possible. Positive margins at resection, reoperation and postoperative radiation are associated with a high risk of local recurrence.
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Comparative Study
Intraaortic balloon pumping improves hemodynamics and right ventricular efficiency in acute ischemic right ventricular failure.
Left ventricular unloading has a potentially deleterious effect in right ventricular failure as a result of altered septal interplay. However, a positive effect of an intraaortic balloon pump during right ventricular failure has been suggested. We investigated the impact of intraaortic balloon pumping on hemodynamics and both left and right ventricular function in an experimental model of isolated right ventricular failure. ⋯ Intraaortic balloon pump support does not alter right or left ventricular function in acute right ventricular failure. However, arterial pressure, cardiac output, and right ventricular efficiency are improved, possibly because of a balloon pump-induced reduction in pulmonary arterial resistance.
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Comparative Study
Intimal hyperplasia and expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in saphenous veins and internal mammary arteries before coronary artery surgery.
The development of fibromuscular intimal hyperplasia and subsequent graft failure remains an urgent problem in cardiac surgery. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is involved in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis through induction of extracellular matrix proteins. We tested the hypothesis that intimal hyperplasia is already present in human saphenous veins and left internal mammary arteries before coronary artery bypass surgery and is associated with an increased expression of TGF-beta1. ⋯ Local TGF-beta1 expression is associated with the presence of intimal hyperplasia in the examined vessels. Preexisting intimal hyperplasia is more prevalent and serious in saphenous veins than in left internal mammary arteries, giving further explanation to the superior long-term results of left internal mammary grafts.
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Case Reports
Combined late diagnosed right main bronchial disruption and chylothorax from blunt chest trauma.
Both main bronchial disruption and chylothorax are uncommon injuries associated with blunt thoracic trauma. We report the case of a patient who presented late after traumatic rupture of the right main bronchus who also had a traumatic chylothorax.