J Cardiothorac Surg
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J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2013
Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography to predict artificial chordae length for mitral valve repair.
Artificial chordae replacement is an effective technique for mitral valve repair, however, it is difficult to accurately determine the length of artificial chordae. This study aimed to assess the reliability and accuracy of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to predict the length of artificial chordae preoperatively. ⋯ Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography can accurately predict the length of artificial chordae required for mitral valve repair, and shortens cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time while improving the results of mitral valve repair.
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Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery. In this study we investigated the incidence of DSWI and effect of re-exploration for bleeding on DSWI mortality. ⋯ The incidence of DSWI after cardiac surgery according to the data entered in the JACVSD registry during the period from 2004 to 2009 was 1.8%, and more complicated procedures were followed by higher incidence and mortality. When re-exploration for bleeding was performed, mortality was significantly higher than when it was not performed. Prevention of DSWI and establishment of an effective appropriate treatment for DSWI may improve the outcome of cardiac surgery.