The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2014
Surgical strategy for Kommerell's diverticulum: total arch replacement.
Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare congenital aortic arch anomaly. Various surgical techniques have been reported; however, the surgical strategy is still controversial. In our institute, total arch replacement (TAR) and anatomic reconstruction of the subclavian artery (SCA) has been selected for the treatment of Kommerell's diverticulum to release the vascular ring completely and prevent postoperative complications, including dissection, rupture, hand ischemia, and subclavian steal syndrome. ⋯ TAR is a reasonable surgical technique for Kommerell's diverticulum, because it enables the vascular ring to be completely released, preventing recurrence, rupture, and dissection. Anatomic reconstruction of the SCA was effective to prevent hand ischemia and subclavian steal syndrome.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2014
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: Are two better than one in mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer?
The role of combined endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) with a single bronchoscope is poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the roles of EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA with a single bronchoscope in the preoperative hilar and mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ The combined endoscopic approach with EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA is a safe and accurate method for preoperative hilar and mediastinal staging of NSCLC, with better results than with each technique by itself.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2014
Supraclavicular node metastasis from thoracic esophageal carcinoma: A surgical series from a Japanese multi-institutional nationwide registry of esophageal cancer.
In the present TNM classification, involvement of supraclavicular nodes is defined as distant metastases. However, the therapeutic value of supraclavicular node dissection remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival benefit of dissection of metastases to the supraclavicular lymph nodes in patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma by using a large nationwide registry of esophageal cancer maintained by the Japanese Esophageal Society. ⋯ The survival benefit of dissection of metastases to the supraclavicular lymph nodes was indicated in patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma. Supraclavicular nodes appear to be regional nodes similar to other regional nodes.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2014
Stented bovine jugular vein graft (Melody valve) for surgical mitral valve replacement in infants and children.
The options for mitral valve replacement in children with irreparable mitral valve disease have been limited to fixed-diameter prostheses that do not accommodate for somatic growth. We have modified an externally stented bovine jugular vein graft (Melody valve) for implantation in this cohort. Because it is not a fixed-diameter prosthesis, we hypothesized that the valve can be expanded in the catheterization laboratory as the child grows. ⋯ The Melody valve has demonstrated acceptable short-term function. Implantation techniques to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (suture fixation of the distal stent) and paravalvular leaks (the addition of a pericardial cuff) should be considered. The Melody valve can be percutaneously expanded as the child grows.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2014
Hospitalization before surgery increases risk for postoperative infections.
Exposure to a health care facility before surgery may increase risk for postoperative infections. Our objectives were to (1) determine whether the prevalence of postoperative infections was higher among patients who were hospitalized before cardiac surgery, (2) identify risk factors for infection, and (3) evaluate in-hospital outcomes. ⋯ Although the risk of infection decreased over time, the relationship between exposure to a health care facility before surgical intervention and higher infection risk remained substantial. Further investigation into processes of care surrounding infection control is necessary to reduce postoperative infections and associated morbidity.