The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2016
Comparative StudyAdoption of pleurectomy and decortication for malignant mesothelioma leads to similar survival as extrapleural pneumonectomy.
We changed our surgical approach to malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in August 2011 and adopted pleurectomy and decortication (PD) instead of extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). In this study, we analyzed our perioperative and survival results during the 2 periods. ⋯ Adoption of PD as the main surgical approach is not associated with survival disadvantage in the surgical treatment of MPM.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2016
Comparative StudyRisk factors for development of endocarditis and reintervention in patients undergoing right ventricle to pulmonary artery valved conduit placement.
To determine the incidence and risk factors for endocarditis and reintervention in patients undergoing placement of right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery valve conduits. ⋯ Bovine jugular grafts are associated with a significantly greater risk of late endocarditis but with lower reintervention rates compared with other valved conduits. The risk of endocarditis and durability must be balanced during conduit selection. Antibiotic prophylaxis and a high index of suspicion for endocarditis are warranted in patients with bovine jugular grafts.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2016
Accelerated hemithoracic radiation followed by extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
To evaluate a new protocol of accelerated hemithoracic intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) followed by extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) for patients with resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). ⋯ Accelerated hemithoracic IMRT followed by EPP has become our preferred approach for resectable MPM. The results have been encouraging in patients with epithelial subtype.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2016
Transesophageal versus transcranial motor evoked potentials to monitor spinal cord ischemia.
We have previously reported that transesophageal motor evoked potential is feasible and more stable than transcranial motor evoked potential. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of transesophageal motor evoked potential to monitor spinal cord ischemia. ⋯ Transesophageal motor evoked potentials may be superior to transcranial motor evoked potentials in terms of quicker response to spinal cord ischemia and better prognostic value.