The Annals of thoracic surgery
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In contrast to mitral valve repair, residual and recurrent regurgitation after tricuspid valve (TV) repair for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common. We have systematically used undersized, rigid 3-dimensional annuloplasty rings to treat functional TR. ⋯ Tricuspid valve repair with an undersized (size 26 or 28) rigid 3-dimensional annuloplasty ring is the method of choice for reliable and durable treatment of functional TR.
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This study evaluated the role of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the assessment of newly developed mediastinal/hilar abnormalities in patients with previously treated lung cancer. ⋯ EBUS-TBNA can differentiate a new primary lung cancer from recurrence of previously treated lung cancer, which will facilitate treatment strategy.
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We report the case of a 22-year-old woman suffering from mature mediastinal teratoma, revealed by trichoptysis, which is an exceptional, but pathognomonic symptom of intrathoracic teratomas. Only eight cases of trichoptysis are reported, none of them involved a mediastinal localization. We present the endoscopic and radiologic presentation, its surgical management, and histologic particularities.
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We describe a new aortic retractor that is effective in maintaining aortic root geometry and providing for adequate intraoperative visual valve assessment, and therefore enables the surgeon to perform precise aortic valve repair or replacement procedures.
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The international experience with resection of advanced thoracic malignancies performed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is limited. We examined our results to assess the risks and benefits of this approach. ⋯ Based on this experience, we consider VA ECMO support to be a safe alternative to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for advanced general thoracic operations.