European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 2011
Risk factors for chronic thoracic pain after cardiac surgery via sternotomy.
This study examines the influence of patient demographics and peri- and postoperative (<7 days) characteristics on the incidence of chronic thoracic pain 1 year after cardiac surgery. The impact of chronic thoracic pain on daily life is also documented. ⋯ We have identified a number of factors correlated with persistent thoracic pain following cardiac surgery with sternotomy. Awareness of these predictors may be useful for further research concerning both the prevention and treatment of chronic thoracic pain, thereby potentially ameliorating the postoperative quality of life of a significant proportion of patients. Meanwhile, chronic thoracic pain should be discussed preoperatively with patients at risk so that they are truly informed about possible consequences of the surgery.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 2011
Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in neonates with complex single ventricle: analysis of outcomes.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in children with cardiac arrest refractory to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been reported with encouraging results. We sought to review outcomes of neonates with functional single ventricle (FSV) receiving post-cardiotomy ECPR. ⋯ ECMO support in neonates with FSV requiring ECPR can result in favorable outcome in more than half of patients at hospital discharge. Aggressive strategy toward timely application of ECPR is justified. Expeditious ECPR deployment after proper patients' selection, refinement of CPR quality and use of adjunctive neuroprotective interventions, such as induced hypothermia, might further improve outcomes.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 2011
Clinical feasibility and surgical benefits of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of resectable lung cancer.
This study was performed to assess the clinical feasibility and surgical outcomes of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of resectable lung cancer. ⋯ Video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy is a clinically feasible procedure with acceptable complication rate and provides more accurate staging of mediastinal node in lung cancer patients. It may be also an excellent supplementary technique used for complete mediastinal node dissection at minimal invasive surgery for cancer resection, especially with left-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 2011
Recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven RT) use in high risk cardiac surgery.
The use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) (NovoSeven RT(®)) to establish hemostasis during massive perioperative bleeding in cardiac surgery has been explored in several retrospective studies. While early results are promising, a paucity of data leaves many questions about its safety profile. We sought to further define its use and associated outcomes in a large cohort study at a single institution. ⋯ rFVIIa is an effective hemostatic agent for intractable bleeding in high-risk cardiac surgery with an acceptable safety profile. rFVIIa does not appear to be associated with increased postoperative complications, including thrombo-embolic events and death.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 2011
Video-assisted thoracic surgery systematic mediastinal nodal dissection and stage migration: impact on clinical pathway.
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of routine systematic mediastinal nodal dissection (SND) performed during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) major pulmonary resections (VMPRs) as a staging strategy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), compared with preoperative staging by conventional positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. ⋯ SND during VMPR is safe and should be routinely performed even when nodal metastases is considered unlikely. VATS-SND is more accurate than PET in staging the mediastinum for NSCLC. PET sensitivity is significantly reduced in adenocarcinoma and might result in stage migration. Adjuvant multidisciplinary treatment should be based on SND staging.