The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Aortic valve reconstruction of unicuspid aortic valve by tricuspidization using autologous pericardium.
Unicuspid aortic valve is a rare anatomic variant, but patients may require intervention for severe valve dysfunction at a young age. We introduce a new reconstructive technique for diseased unicuspid valve by tricuspidization with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium. ⋯ Diseased unicuspid aortic valves were treated by our original aortic valve reconstruction technique with excellent early results. We continue to study the long-term results.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The myocardial protective effects of a moderate-potassium blood cardioplegia in pediatric cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
We investigated the myocardial protective effect of a moderate-potassium cold blood cardioplegic solution (K+, 10 mmol/L) in pediatric cardiac surgery. ⋯ The present study demonstrated that the M (10 mmol/L) cold blood cardioplegia formula is associated with better myocardial protective effects when compared with conventional HP cardioplegia in pediatric patients.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Who performs complex noncardiac thoracic surgery in United States academic medical centers?
We hypothesized that general thoracic surgeons (GTS) predominantly perform complex noncardiac thoracic surgery in academic hospitals compared with cardiac surgeons (CS), general surgeons, and surgical oncologists. ⋯ In academic hospitals, noncardiac thoracic surgery is performed mostly by GTS, supporting academic GTS as a distinct specialty. These results may help determine hospital referral and credentialing policies, and plan general and cardiothoracic surgery residency curriculum.
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Comparative Study
Fontan conversion to one and one half ventricle repair.
In patients with a modified Fontan connection, particularly the right atrial to right ventricular connection, the pulmonary ventricle may enlarge with time. ⋯ Fontan conversion to one and one half ventricle repair is feasible in selected patients with a failing Fontan circulation. Operation can be performed with low early mortality. Arrhythmia surgery should be performed routinely. Quality of life is excellent.