The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 2020
Global perspectives on cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, and cardiac surgical training.
Various methods for cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, and cardiac surgical training exist across the globe, with the common goal of producing safe, independent surgeons. A comparative analysis of international training paradigms has not been undertaken, and our goal in doing so was to offer insights into how to best prepare future trainees and ensure the health of our specialty. ⋯ Cardiothoracic surgery remains a dynamic and rewarding specialty. Current and future trainees face several challenges that transcend national borders. To foster collaboration and adoption of best practices, we highlight international strengths and weaknesses of various nations in terms of workforce selection, trainee operative experience and assessment, board certification, and preparation for future changes anticipated in cardiothoracic surgery.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 2020
Impact of triptolide during ex vivo lung perfusion on grafts after transplantation in a rat model.
Ex vivo lung perfusion creates a proinflammatory environment leading to deterioration in graft quality that may contribute to post-transplant graft dysfunction. Triptolide has been shown to have a therapeutic potential in various disease states because of its anti-inflammatory properties. On this basis, we investigated the impact of triptolide on graft preservation during ex vivo lung perfusion and associated post-transplant outcomes in a rat transplant model. ⋯ Treatment of lung grafts with triptolide during ex vivo lung perfusion may serve to enhance graft preservation and improve graft protection resulting in better post-transplant outcomes.