The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2024
Aortic valve cusp size and shape in dilated trileaflet aortic roots.
The objective of the study was to quantify the differences in cusp size and shape in patients with normal and dilated trileaflet aortic roots and in dilated roots with or without aortic regurgitation. ⋯ The cusps in dilated roots elongate transversely and to a lesser degree radially. Functional aortic regurgitation is caused by extensive commissural dilatation and not by inadequate cusp adaptation.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2024
Sex-based Differences in the Lung Immune Microenvironment Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Lung Cancer in Women.
Lung cancer remains a major cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating further understanding of carcinogenesis and its driving factors, including those influenced by sex-dependent variables. We hypothesized that sex-specific lung immune composition may contribute to a greater risk of lung cancer in women. ⋯ Female smokers display higher risk for lung cancer. In murine models and humans, female sex is associated with robust immunosuppression within the lung. Further examination of this link will be important in developing immune-based approaches to lung cancer interception and their optimal application across the sexes.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2024
Longitudinal Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Ruptured Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms.
Limited data exist on long-term mortality and reintervention rates after emergent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm (rTAA). This study aimed to characterize the long-term outcomes of emergent TEVAR for rTAA. ⋯ The present study is the largest to focus on long-term outcomes following TEVAR for rupture TAA. Unsuprisingly, short-term outcomes are worse in patients presenting with ruptured vs intact aneurysms. However, importantly, long-term survival in rTAA patients who do survive 90 days is comparable to that of iTAA patients.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2024
Industry Payments and Implicit Bias in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Difference in Industry Payments to Cardiothoracic Surgeons by Gender.
Industry payments, as sources of revenue and prestige, may contribute to gender implicit bias. We examined industry payments to cardiothoracic surgeons to determine differences with respect to gender while accounting for practice focus and experience. ⋯ Industry payments to women increased from 2014 to 2022 as the proportion of women in practice rose. Industry support of women, with increases in compensation and roles as speakers, consultants, and educators, offers a potential strategy to combat implicit bias within cardiothoracic surgery.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2024
Reproductive health among women of child-bearing age after surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Rwanda.
To determine maternal and fetal outcomes in postoperative women with rheumatic heart disease who become pregnant after valve surgery and evaluate current anticoagulation management during pregnancy. ⋯ Despite preoperative counseling discouraging conception, many women with prosthetic valves still become pregnant after surgery. The results of this study will inform evidence-based and context-specific practices for anticoagulation during pregnancy in Rwanda and the region.