The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Intraaortic Balloon Pump vs Peripheral Ventricular Assist Device Use in the United States.
The objective of this study was to characterize practical use trends and outcomes for intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) and percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pVAD) use in cardiogenic shock at a national level. ⋯ Over the study period, the rate of pVAD use for cardiogenic shock significantly increased. Compared with IABP, pVAD use was associated with increased mortality, higher costs, and several AEs. Multi-institutional clinical trials with rigorous inclusion criteria are warranted to evaluate the clinical utility of pVADs in the modern era.
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Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has been used in the treatment of accidental hypothermia with hemodynamic instability, with promising outcomes. This systematic review examines ECLS treatment of accidental hypothermia to assess outcomes. ⋯ Extracorporeal life support is a viable cardiac support option for rewarming patients with accidental hypothermia, and initial potassium level, initial body temperature, and ECLS rewarming rate appear to be significantly associated with survival.
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Case Reports
BEDSIDE TRANSCERVICAL-TRANSTRACHEAL POST-INTUBATION INJURY REPAIR IN A COVID-19 PATIENT.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide since December 2019. An acute respiratory distress syndrome develops in a relevant rate of patients, who require hospitalization. ⋯ The management of COVID-19 patients can be challenging due to the risk of disease transmission to caregivers and epidemic spread. We performed a bedside tracheal injury surgical repair, after failure of conservative management, with resolution of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema and improvement of the patient's conditions.
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Case Reports
Management of Persistent Pneumothorax With Thoracoscopy and Bleb Resection in COVID-19 Patients.
Several studies have been published describing the clinical and radiographic findings of coronavirus disease 2019-related pneumonia. Therefore, there is currently a lack of pathologic data on its effects in intubated patients. ⋯ However, in cases of persistent pneumothorax, thoracoscopy and bleb resection may be feasible options to reduce air leak and improve ventilation. This report describes the cases of 2 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who were successfully treated with thoracoscopy, bleb resection, and pleurectomy for persistent pneumothorax.