European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2006
Modified Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure using aortic flap technique for systemic ventricular outflow tract obstruction in functionally univentricular heart.
Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure is a useful method to relieve the systemic ventricular outflow tract obstruction in functionally univentricular heart. Regurgitation of pulmonary valve and recurrence of systemic ventricular outflow obstruction are the major concerns at the late phase of this procedure. Modification of original Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure that can prevent the use of prosthetic materials is evaluated. ⋯ In addition, there was no recurrence of systemic ventricular outflow tract obstruction throughout the follow-up period. Regurgitation of the pulmonary valve estimated by echocardiography at the latest follow-up was none to trivial in seven patients and mild in one. The modified Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure using aortic flap technique is a safe, useful and reproducible technique to solve systemic ventricular outflow tract obstruction in functionally univentricular heart, and it can be an alternative for original technique or the so-called double-barrel modification.
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Congenital lung malformations are often discovered on routine prenatal sonography or postnatal imaging. Lesions such as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation or pulmonary sequestration may be asymptomatic at birth, and their management is controversial. Thoracoscopy in children has been mainly used for lung biopsy and for the treatment of empyema and recurrent pneumothorax. Very few reports of more technically demanding procedures, such as lobectomy, are currently available. This report evaluates the safety and efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy in infants and small children with asymptomatic prenatally diagnosed lung lesions. ⋯ VATS lobectomy in small infants is a feasible and safe technique. Decreased postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a better cosmetic result are definite advantages of this minimally invasive procedure. Long-term morbidity due to a major thoracotomy incision is avoided.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jun 2006
A study exploring the role of intercostal nerve damage in chronic pain after thoracic surgery.
Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of intra-operative nerve damage and its association with chronic pain. ⋯ The study findings suggest that either the amount of intra-operative intercostal nerve damage is not indicative of long-term nerve damage or that there is a more significant cause for chronic pain other than intercostal nerve injury.