The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2010
Comparative StudyQuality of mitral valve repair: median sternotomy versus port-access approach.
We sought to compare early and late clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve repair by means of the port-access and median sternotomy approaches. ⋯ In isolated posterior mitral valve pathology, quality of mitral valve repair with the port-access approach can compare with that with the conventional median sternotomy approach.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2010
Effect of beta-blocker use on outcomes after discharge in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.
Beta-blockers improve outcomes in patients with heart failure or a history of myocardial infarction, but it remains uncertain whether they are beneficial after the perioperative period in cardiac surgery patients without these conditions. This study was designed to examine whether discharge use of beta-blockers was associated with outcomes after hospitalization in patients who had undergone nontransplant cardiac surgery. ⋯ Patients discharged with beta-blockers after cardiac surgery exhibit a substantially lower mortality rate during long-term follow-up, even among those without a history of myocardial infarction or heart failure.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2010
Comparative StudyNonelective cardiac surgery in the elderly: is it justified?
Elderly patients might be denied nonelective cardiac surgery because of the perception of poor outcomes and an unacceptable quality of life. In this study we evaluate long-term survival and quality of life in these patients. ⋯ Long-term survival and quality of life after nonelective cardiac surgery can equal that of the general elderly population. Age alone should not disqualify a patient for urgent or emergent cardiac surgery.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2010
Comparative StudyDouble-bar application decreases postoperative pain after the Nuss procedure.
This biomechanical study aims to elucidate whether additional bar application increases postoperative pain after the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. ⋯ Performing double-bar placement decreases postoperative pain. Therefore, surgeons should not hesitate to perform double-bar correction in patients in whom the deformity extends to multiple intercostal spaces, requiring correction of the thorax shape at multiple sites.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2010
Mortality after coronary artery revascularization of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk for accelerated atherosclerosis. It is not known, however, whether this disorder is associated with a higher risk of complications after coronary artery revascularization. ⋯ Among patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an in-hospital survival advantage along with reduced days of hospitalization compared with patients without rheumatoid arthritis.