The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Thoracoscopic Nuss procedure for young adults with pectus excavatum: excellent midterm results and patient satisfaction.
Chest wall remodeling by substernal placement of a Nuss bar is the treatment of choice for children with pectus excavatum; however, it has not yet gained widespread acceptance in adults. We demonstrate that thoracoscopic Nuss bar insertion in young adults is safe and leads to excellent results. ⋯ For young adults who wish to correct their pectus deformity, a thoracoscopic Nuss procedure is safe and results in a high rate of patient satisfaction, significant improvement in self-image, and excellent midterm cosmetic results.
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Comparative Study
The Aristotle score predicts mortality after surgery of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.
Outcomes after surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants are often complicated by prematurity associated comorbidities. The Aristotle comprehensive complexity score (ACCS) has been proposed as a useful tool for complexity adjustment in the analysis of outcome after congenital heart surgery. The aims of this study were to define preoperative risk factors for mortality and to demonstrate the usefulness of ACCS to predict mortality after surgical ligation of PDA in the preterm. ⋯ The ACCS, especially for procedure-independent complexity factors, is a useful tool to predict mortality after ligation of PDA in preterm infants.
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Comparative Study
Revascularization for the right coronary artery territory in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.
Graft selection for the right coronary artery territory remains controversial. The objective of this study was to analyze outcomes from revascularization of the right coronary artery territory using the right internal thoracic artery (RITA), the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA), or a saphenous vein graft (SVG). ⋯ Arterial grafts should be considered the first choice for right coronary artery territory revascularization in off-pump coronary artery bypass. However, SVG should be considered when proximal stenosis is less than 90%.
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Comparative Study
Utility of a clinical practice guideline in treatment of chylothorax in the postoperative congenital heart patient.
Chylothorax after congenital heart surgery is a common complication with associated morbidities, but consensus treatment guidelines are lacking. Variability exists in the duration of medical treatment and timing for surgical intervention. ⋯ Institution of a clinical practice guideline for treatment of chylothorax after congenital heart surgery was associated with earlier diagnosis, reduced hospital length of stay, mechanical ventilation, and device utilization for these patients.