The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2019
Comparative StudyAdvances in managing the noninfected open chest after cardiac surgery: Negative-pressure wound therapy.
The objective of this study was to compare safety and clinical effectiveness of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with traditional wound therapy for managing noninfected open chests with delayed sternal closure after cardiac surgery. ⋯ NPWT is safe and effective for managing noninfected open chests after cardiac surgery. By facilitating open-chest management and potentially improving outcomes, it has become our therapy of choice and perhaps has lowered our threshold for leaving the chest open after cardiac surgery.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2019
Observational StudyPredicted clinical factors associated with the intensive care unit length of stay after total cavopulmonary connection.
A longer length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) after the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is thought to be a predictive sign of late Fontan failure. This study was performed to determine the clinical risk factors for ICU LOS. ⋯ Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and anomalous systemic venous drainage had longer ICU LOS. Extended cyanosis and elevated pulmonary artery pressure affect the ICU LOS. Special care should be provided during the initial postoperative phase in patients with such risk factors.