The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Apr 2012
Implementation of a comprehensive blood conservation program can reduce blood use in a community cardiac surgery program.
The study objective was to determine the effects of implementing a blood conservation algorithm on blood product use and outcomes in a community cardiac surgery program. ⋯ Implementation of a comprehensive blood conservation algorithm can be rapidly introduced, leading to reductions in blood and component use with no detrimental effect on early outcomes. Point-of-care testing can direct component transfusion in coagulopathic cases, with most coagulopathic patients requiring platelets. Further research will determine the effects of reduced transfusions on long-term outcomes.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Apr 2012
Correction of anterior mitral prolapse: the parachute technique.
To evaluate a new surgical technique for the correction of anterior mitral leaflet prolapse. ⋯ This technique offers a simple and reproducible solution for correction of anterior leaflet prolapse. Echocardiography can reliably evaluate the length of the chordae. However, the long-term results must be evaluated and compared with other surgical strategies.