The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Apr 2013
Comparative StudyOutcomes of axillary artery side graft cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
To determine the safety, efficacy, and frequency of side graft axillary artery cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and compare it with other cannulation techniques. ⋯ Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support with side graft axillary artery technique was more frequently associated with hyperperfusion syndrome than other cannulation sites. Lower extremity ischemia and compartment syndrome was more common after femoral arterial cannulation.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Apr 2013
Thoracic stent graft sizing for frozen elephant trunk repair in acute type A dissection.
Although stenting of the descending aorta simultaneously with proximal aortic repair has become an accepted part of the therapy for acute type A dissection, no general recommendations have been accepted regarding the choice of diameter and length of the stent grafts. The present study explored the safety and effectiveness of sizing the stent graft of the hybrid prosthesis in relation to the total aortic diameter and extending the landing zone to the level of the T10-T12 vertebrae. ⋯ Sizing the stent graft of the hybrid prosthesis according to the total aortic diameter and choosing a distal landing zone between vertebrae T10 and T12 is safe, with low midterm mortality and morbidity. It allows an extensive repair of the dissected aorta with early definite occlusion of the false lumen and prepares for potential endovascular extension of the graft.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Apr 2013
Quantifying the incidence and impact of postoperative prolonged alveolar air leak after pulmonary resection.
Prolonged alveolar air leak (PAAL) is a frequent occurrence after lobectomy or lesser resections. The resulting complications and their impact are not well understood. Our aims are to prospectively determine the incidence and severity of PAAL after pulmonary resection using the Thoracic Morbidity & Mortality classification system and to identify risk factors. ⋯ PAAL leads to longer hospital stays, and approximately 4.8% of patients undergoing pulmonary resection experience PAAL that necessitates placement of additional chest drains, bronchoscopy, reoperation, or life support. Further study is required to assess the cost-effectiveness of measures to reduce PAAL.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Apr 2013
Late recovery of atrioventricular conduction after postsurgical chronic atrioventricular block is not exceptional.
Postsurgical atrioventricular block may complicate surgery for congenital heart defects and is generally considered permanent when persisting longer than 14 days after surgery. In this study, we evaluate the occurrence of spontaneous late recovery of atrioventricular conduction in postsurgical chronic atrioventricular block and discuss its clinical implications. ⋯ Complete recovery of atrioventricular conduction or regression to asymptomatic first-degree atrioventricular block occurred in 12% of patients with postsurgical chronic second- or third-degree atrioventricular block. To prevent unnecessary adverse side effects of chronic ventricular pacing and to prolong battery longevity, ventricular pacing should be minimized in patients with recovered normal atrioventricular conduction.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Apr 2013
Predictors of hyperglycemia after cardiac surgery in nondiabetic patients.
Postoperative hyperglycemia is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, some experts consider hyperglycemia to be an epiphenomenon related to acute stress. We investigated whether preoperative patient characteristics can predict hyperglycemia after cardiac surgery in nondiabetic patients. ⋯ Preoperative patient characteristics are associated with hyperglycemia after cardiac surgery.