The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2025
Utility of Structured Follow-up Imaging after Aortic Surgery.
Although postoperative follow-up after aortic surgery is recommended by guidelines, its clinical utility is not well documented. We hypothesized that structured follow-up imaging by an aortic program would improve outcomes. We then documented radiologic findings on asymptomatic postoperative imaging. ⋯ Implementation of structured follow-up imaging by an aortic program resulted in low clinical compliance. Follow-up was associated with increased rates of aortic reintervention. Clinically relevant radiologic findings were common on asymptomatic imaging and increased throughout 5-year follow-up rather than plateauing in the early postoperative period.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2025
Influence of Air Quality on Lung Cancer in People Who Have Never Smoked.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. The percentage of people who have never smoked with lung cancer has risen recently, but alternative risk factors require further study. Our goal was to determine the influence of air quality on incidence of lung cancer in people who have smoked or never smoked. ⋯ Newly diagnosed lung cancer appears to be more related to poor air quality among people who have never smoked than people who have smoked. Future studies are needed to examine the associations of specific pollutants with lung cancer incidence.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Feb 2025
Impact of Dual Thoracic Recovery from Circulatory Death Donors on Heart and Lung Transplant Outcomes.
Concomitant heart and lung recovery can result in increased operative complexity, ischemic time, and competition for resources and anatomic territory. Dual thoracic recovery from circulatory death donors may have additional risks that are not fully understood. We investigated the effects of dual heart and lung recovery from circulatory death donors on thoracic transplant outcomes. ⋯ Recovering both the heart and lungs from a circulatory death donor does not negatively impact transplant outcomes. Outcomes in this population should continue to be investigated as more data and longer-term follow-up become available.