The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2008
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe short esophagus: intraoperative assessment of esophageal length.
To define the frequency and predictors of short esophagus in a case series of patients undergoing antireflux surgery. ⋯ True short esophagus is present in about 20% of patients undergoing routine antireflux surgery. Radiology, severity, and duration of symptoms are predictors of true foreshortening.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2008
Comparative StudyReoperative aortic root and transverse arch procedures: a comparison with contemporaneous primary operations.
Long-term survival and risk factors affecting outcome after reoperative root/ascending aorta and transverse arch procedures have not been clearly described. ⋯ In this series, reoperations in the transverse arch carry the same risk as primary arch procedures, but a higher operative mortality is seen with reoperative than with primary root/ascending aorta procedures. The long-term outlook is better for patients undergoing root/ascending operations than for patients undergoing aortic arch operations, with no difference in the longevity of patients undergoing primary procedures versus reoperations.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2008
Review Meta AnalysisPexelizumab in ischemic heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis on 15,196 patients.
Pexelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody inhibiting C5 complement. It has been postulated to improve outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and urgent reperfusion therapy for ST elevation myocardial infarction. We aimed at evaluating the risk/benefit profile of pexelizumab (bolus + infusion) versus placebo on top of current approaches in the management of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction or undergoing coronary artery bypass. ⋯ Our data ruled out the hypothesis of any benefit of adding pexelizumab on top of currently available therapies for ST elevation myocardial infarction. However, pexelizumab reduces the risk of death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialAutologous fibrin sealant reduces the incidence of prolonged air leak and duration of chest tube drainage after lung volume reduction surgery: a prospective randomized blinded study.
Prolonged air leak is reported in up to 50% of patients after lung volume reduction surgery. The effect of an autologous fibrin sealant on the intensity and duration of air leak and on the time to chest drain removal after lung volume reduction surgery was investigated in a randomized prospective clinical trial. ⋯ Autologous fibrin sealant for reinforcement of the staple lines after lung volume reduction surgery significantly reduces prolonged air leak and duration of chest tube drainage.