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Journal and News Scan
June 4, 2016
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
The authors analyzed long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery in nearly 10,000 patients to evaluate the mortality risk of blood transfusion. Sex-mismatched transfusion increased mortality, and use of non-leukocyte-depleted blood was associated with increased mortality. The age of the blood productes was not related to mortality.
Commentary: http://www.jtcvsonline.org/article/S0022-5223(16)30028-9/fulltext
June 4, 2016
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Outcomes are reported for initial use of a 4-branched graft with an incorporated distal stent graft for management of disease of the aortic arch combined with the proximal descending aorta. Operations were equally distributed among acute dissections, chronic dissections, and aneurysms. Surgical mortality was 7%, 3-year survival was 81%, and 22% needed additional intervention, much of which was performed endovascularly.
Commentary:
http://www.jtcvsonline.org/article/S0022-5223(16)30069-1/fulltext
http://www.jtcvsonline.org/article/S0022-5223(16)30060-5/abstract
June 4, 2016
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Neurologic outcomes were evaluated in a randomized trial of TAVR or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for severe AS (750 pts). Stroke occurred about 50% more often in SAVR than TAVR pts at all follow-up time periods, but the differences were not statisticalyl significant. Cognitive changes after stroke were similar between the two groups.
Commentaries:
http://www.jtcvsonline.org/article/S0022-5223(16)30014-9/fulltext
http://www.jtcvsonline.org/article/S0022-5223(16)00404-9/fulltext
June 4, 2016
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
In order to develop an algorithm for identifying acute deterioration (urgent intubation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in infants with parallel systemic and pulmonary circulation, continuous physiologic monitoring data of 25 patients were retrospecitively reviewed and analyzed. 20 events were identified in 13 infants. The algorithm was effective in identifying impending events 1-2 hours prior to the event (ROC area 0.91).
Commentary: http://www.jtcvsonline.org/article/S0022-5223(16)30106-4/fulltext
June 4, 2016
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
The authors used data from the NCDB to assess long-term outcomes after SBRT (1,781) or lobectomy (13,562) for clinical stage I NSCLC in patients without important co-morbidities. Overall survival was significantly better after lobectomy for T1N0 (HR 0.38) and for T2N0 patients (HR 0.38). Propensity score matched patients (1781 pairs) also had significantly better survival at 5-years after lobectomy (59% vs 29%).
Commentary: http://www.jtcvsonline.org/article/S0022-5223(16)30061-7/abstract
June 1, 2016
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
The porcine study explores 3-dimensional geometrical deformation of the aortic root following the David procedure. It demonstrates by various measurements and by simulation that the parts of the aortic root are exposed to high pressure and low shear stress for much longer periods after David procedure compared to the native anatomy.
June 1, 2016
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
This award-winning study estimates the required thoracic surgery workforce until 2050 in consideration of the incidence of non-small-cell lung cancer, appropriate use of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy and a nation-wide CT-screening program at the example of Canada.
June 1, 2016
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
Aortic clamps can cause injuries of the vascular wall. This elegant study explores pressure distributions along the jaws of seven commonly used clamps.
May 23, 2016
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
Μinimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) systems have initiated important efforts within science and technology to further improve the biocompatibility of cardiopulmonary bypass components aiming to minimize the adverse effects and improve end-organ protection. The Minimal invasive Extra-Corporeal Technologies international Society (MiECTiS) was founded to create an international forum for the exchange of ideas on clinical application and research of Minimal invasive Extra-Corporeal Circulation technology. The present work is a consensus document developed to standardize the terminology and the definition of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation technology as well as to provide recommendations and promote the use of MiECC systems into clinical practice as a multidisciplinary strategy involving cardiac surgeons, anaesthesiologists and perfusionists.
May 21, 2016
Submitted by: Tom C. Nguyen
This review provides an excellent summary of patient outcomes following LVAD explantation. The authors review 11 studies comprosing of 213 patients and conclude that excellent 10 year survival outcomes can be maintained after LVAD explantation in carefully selected patients.