The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is the preferred minimally invasive technique for the evaluation of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy. Enlarged lymph nodes on computed tomography (CT) are defined as those 1 cm or larger in short-axis diameter. Whether there is agreement between the measurements of lymph node size on CT and EBUS remains unknown. ⋯ Despite a significant correlation between CT of the chest and EBUS for measuring the size of intrathoracic lymph nodes, the limits of agreement were fairly wide enough to be clinically acceptable for allowing the use of the two modalities interchangeably for this purpose.
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Pulmonary valve disruption in patients with tetralogy of Fallot and congenital pulmonary stenosis often results in pulmonary insufficiency, right ventricular dilation, and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Management of functional tricuspid regurgitation at the time of subsequent pulmonary valve replacement remains controversial. Our aims were to (1) analyze tricuspid valve function after pulmonary valve replacement through midterm follow-up and (2) determine the benefits, if any, of concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty. ⋯ In patients with at least moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation, significant improvement in tricuspid valve function and right ventricular size occurs in the first postoperative month after pulmonary valve replacement, irrespective of concomitant tricuspid valve annuloplasty. The tricuspid valve appears to function better over the midterm if annuloplasty is not performed.
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In patients with moyamoya syndrome requiring heart surgery, the brain blood flow during the low perfusion state under cardiopulmonary bypass is a concern. We report on a successful mitral valve repair and tricuspid repair in a patient with moyamoya syndrome, performed using an integrated cerebral protection strategy with cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring, intraaortic balloon pumping, and cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion at a relatively high pressure. An integrated approach with a thorough discussion among cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perfusionists was invaluable to protect brain perfusion in a patient with moyamoya syndrome.
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Preoperative Aspirin Use and Its Effect on Adverse Events in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Operations.
Preoperative aspirin use within 5 days of cardiac operations is controversial. Aspirin could reduce cardiovascular complications and yet might increase risk of bleeding. Recent reports showed conflicting results, and whether aspirin has variable effects for different cardiac surgical procedures is unclear. ⋯ Preoperative aspirin use in all patients undergoing cardiac operations was not associated with risks of major cardiac, cerebral, or renal complications and infections and death; however, the risk of reoperation for bleeding was elevated among preoperative aspirin users compared with nonusers in a subpopulation of patients undergoing valve operations only.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A Regulated Trial of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Repair Supported by Geometric Ring Annuloplasty.
Annular stabilization is important during bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair to obtain the best long-term results. This report describes the early outcomes of a novel bicuspid annuloplasty ring for this purpose. ⋯ As a technique for BAV repair, internal ring annuloplasty produces major annular remodeling and stabilization. Annular reduction and reshaping to a 50/50% symmetric circular geometry facilitates leaflet repair and enhances cusp coaptation. Geometric ring annuloplasty could have useful applications in BAV repair.