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Journal and News Scan
March 27, 2017
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Evidence for the benefit of sleeve lobectomy over pneumonectomy for lung cancer is limited. This 10 year retrospective nationwide study compared propensity score matched sleeve resection and pneumonectomy patients (794 in each group). Postoperative outcomes and long-term disease-free survival were superior in the sleeve resection patients when matched patients were evaluated, but this advantage did not hold when treatment weighting was considered.
March 27, 2017
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
The authors describe use of a stented jugular vein graft in the mitral position in infants at a median of 8.5 months and 5.6 Kg. Hemodynamics improved substantially, with no important MR or paravalvular leak. The ratio of the narrowest subaortic dimension in systole to the actual mitral valve dimension <0.5 was associated with LV outflow tract obstruction.
March 27, 2017
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
The authors sought to enhance the landing zone in management of retrograde Type A aortic dissection by inducing thrombosis of the false lumen as a first stage followed by TEVAR. Management was successful in all 9 pts in whom it was attempted.
March 27, 2017
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Using MR scans and computational fluid dynamics, the authors sought to evaluate differences in flow, shear stress, and oscillatory shear stress in normal individuals and patients with 1 of 4 different categories of aortic valvular disease. The flow patterns were patient and category specific, and may provide the ability to determine interventions on an individualized basis.
March 20, 2017
Submitted by: Arie Blitz
The authors randomized 68 patients undergoing CABG to three treatment groups:
- ASA 81 mg QD
- ASA 325 mg QD
- ASA 162 mg BID
On the 4th day following CABG, the authors measured serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) as an inverse surrogate for ASA effect. The order of TXB2 levels were as follows: 162 mg BID << 81 mg BID ≈ 81 mg QD. Thus, the optimal regimen, according to this small study, would be ASA 162 mg BID.
March 17, 2017
Submitted by: Aristotle Protopapas
Three quarters of a century in caring for patients with congenital heart disease are summarized well in this brief viewpoint article, with the big data issue discussed.
March 9, 2017
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
According to BBC Tyne & Wear, a patient died after surgeons inserted a heart valve upside down causing irreversible damage to her heart. The procedure was performed at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne. NHS Foundation Trust has admitted the error, and the family has begun legal action.
March 5, 2017
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
The authors report the use of ECMO in 8 pts who suffered ARDS after pneumonectomy. Predicted mortality was 80% prior to ECMO institution. ECMO was weaned in 7 pts and overall hospital survival was 50%.
March 5, 2017
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
31 pts who underwent arterial switch at a weight of 2.5 kg or less were evaluated for outcomes. Surgery was performed at an average of 16 days of life. Mortality was 2.8% for those weighing 2.0-2.5 kg, and was 50% for those under 2 kg. At a mean follow-up of 13 years, 8% had required late reoperation. There were no late deaths, and all pts were NYHA Class I at last follow-up.
March 5, 2017
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Changes in end organ function were assessed in 59 pts having a continuous flow LVAD in place for more than 3 years. Renal and hepatic function improved initially, but renal function deteriorated to preoperative levels during the follow-up period.