The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Comparative StudyOne thousand minimally invasive mitral valve operations: early outcomes, late outcomes, and echocardiographic follow-up.
The present study assessed the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes for 1000 patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. ⋯ Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is effective, with excellent late results. The durability of minimally invasive mitral valve repair compared favorably with conventional full sternotomy methods at late follow-up.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Comparative StudyRight anterior minithoracotomy versus conventional aortic valve replacement: a propensity score matched study.
Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery by way of a right anterior minithoracotomy has shown excellent results in terms of mortality, morbidities, and patient satisfaction. The aim of the present study was to compare minimally invasive aortic valve surgery by way of a right anterior minithoracotomy with conventional full sternotomy on early outcomes and midterm survival. ⋯ Right anterior minithoracotomy in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve surgery is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation and blood transfusion and shorter ventilation time and hospital length of stay. Prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm our data.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Outcome and prognostic factors of pleural mesothelioma after surgical diagnosis and/or pleurodesis.
The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term survival and prognostic factors in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. ⋯ Median survival in an unselected population of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma treated nonsurgically is 12 months. Nonepithelioid histology, older age, abnormal C-reactive protein levels, and leukocytosis are independent predictors of worse survival.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Comparative StudyOutcomes after thymectomy in class I myasthenia gravis.
The role of extended thymectomy in the treatment of class I myasthenia gravis is still controversial. This study compared the long-term outcomes of operated and nonoperated patients allocated according to their will. ⋯ Extended thymectomy achieved a more rapid remission than after nonsurgical treatment of class I myasthenia gravis. Significantly better outcomes resulted when thymectomy was performed within 6 months from the onset of symptoms.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Mechanisms of coronary complications after the arterial switch for transposition of the great arteries.
The arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries requires transfer of the coronary arteries from the aorta to the proximal pulmonary artery (neoaorta). This is complicated by variable coronary anatomy before transfer. In 8% to 10% of cases, there is evidence of late coronary stenosis and/or occlusion, often with catastrophic clinical consequences. The mechanism of such complications has not been well studied. ⋯ Thus detailed multiplanar computed tomographic scanning can elucidate the mechanisms of late coronary complications after the ASO. Understanding these aspects could help to improve surgical technique to minimize the risk of late coronary obstructions.