European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2010
Impact of untreated mild-to-moderate mitral regurgitation at the time of isolated aortic valve replacement on late adverse outcomes.
The impact of untreated mild-to-moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) on patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) is uncertain. The aim of this study is to investigate its long-term effects on outcomes. ⋯ Despite the significant reduction after isolated AVR, preoperative mild-to-moderate MR is an independent risk factor impacting long-term functional outcome. Our results suggested that the concomitant mitral valve surgery for mild-to-moderate MR is warranted, especially in patients with reduced left ventricular function.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2010
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyPercutaneous aspiration versus tube drainage for spontaneous pneumothorax: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Spontaneous pneumothorax is an extremely frequent pathology. Despite this, there is still no clear consensus on managing these patients. Therefore, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of percutaneous aspiration compared with tube drainage for treating idiopathic spontaneous pneumothorax. ⋯ Relevant articles were identified by searching electronic databases (e.g., Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, mRCT and Pascal), as well as the references of the papers found in this manner, with a cut-off date of April 2009. Quality was assessed by two independent evaluators, using the CASPe appraisal tool. Effectiveness of percutaneous aspiration is compared with that of chest tube drainage, in terms of resolution of the pneumothorax and rates of relapse and hospital admission.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialDoes physiotherapy reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications following pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy? A preliminary randomised single-blind clinical trial.
This study investigates whether targeted postoperative respiratory physiotherapy decreased the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and length of stay for patients undergoing elective pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy. ⋯ In this patient population, given the low incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, targeted respiratory physiotherapy may not be required in addition to standard care involving a clinical pathway following pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy. These results should be extrapolated with caution to those patients undergoing pulmonary resection with poor preoperative lung function.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2010
Clinical TrialA combined approach of endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound-guided needle aspiration in the radiologically normal mediastinum in non-small-cell lung cancer staging--a prospective trial.
This prospective study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of the combined approach - endobronchial (EBUS) and endoscopic (EUS) ultrasound-guided needle aspiration (combined ultrasound-needle aspiration (CUS-NA)) in the radiologically normal mediastinum in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) staging. ⋯ In the radiologically normal mediastinum, CUS-NA is a highly effective and safe technique in NSCLC staging and, if negative, a surgical diagnostic exploration of the mediastinum may be omitted.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2010
Evaluation of the utility of vibration response imaging device and Operation Planning Software in the assessment of patients before lung resection surgery.
A variety of methods have been used to evaluate patients with lung cancer to define a patient cohort at high risk for postoperative mortality and respiratory complications associated with lung resection surgery. Our aim was to evaluate the utility of vibration response imaging (VRI(XP)) Operation Planning Software (O-Plan) in assessing suitability for surgical resection and for the prediction of postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1s (ppoFEV(1)). ⋯ VRI(XP) O-Plan has shown high accuracy in predicting postoperative FEV(1) after lung resection surgery. Given its simplicity of operation and the non-invasive nature of VRI(XP) and O-Plan, it could be a good alternative to perfusion scan in pre-surgery assessment.