The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialAmiodarone after surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation: Is it really necessary? A prospective randomized controlled trial.
Prophylactic antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) treatment is a well-established practice after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), but it is controversial after surgical ablation. This prospective randomized controlled trial examined whether amiodarone after surgical ablation reduced atrial arrhythmia recurrence within the first 3 months after surgery. ⋯ NCT01416935.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2016
Hepatic stiffness in the bidirectional cavopulmonary circulation: The Liver Adult-Pediatric-Congenital-Heart-Disease Dysfunction Study group.
We hypothesized that hepatic injury in single-ventricle CHD has origins that predate the Fontan operation. We aimed to measure hepatic stiffness using ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) in a bidirectional cavopulmonary connection (BCPC) cohort. ⋯ Hepatic stiffness is increased with BCPC physiology, and this finding raises concerns that hepatopathology in palliated, single-ventricle CHD is not exclusively attributable to Fontan physiology. Hepatic stiffness measurements using SWE are feasible in this young population, and the technique shows promise as a means for monitoring disease progression.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Mar 2016
Locally advanced esophageal cancer: What becomes of 5-year survivors?
To determine the long-term outcomes of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC) who underwent esophagectomy and survived at least 5 years, and the predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) beyond 5 years. ⋯ Prolonged survival can be obtained in one-third of patients with LAEC. An en bloc resection at the original operation is the most significant predictor of prolonged survival. Survivors experience a high rate of second primary cancer and an apparently high rate of deaths from pulmonary disease. Careful follow-up is necessary for these patients, even after the 5-year mark.