ALERT!
This site is not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 (or older).
Please upgrade to a newer version of Internet Explorer or use an alternate browser such as Chrome or Firefox.
Journal and News Scan
May 10, 2016
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) has been associated with myocardial ischemia and sudden death. There are several controversies regarding the indications and efficacy of surgery. This report analyzes the experience of one center whose institutional approach has been to recommend surgical treatment for all patients identified with AAOCA between the ages of 10 and 30 years, with a more selective approach based upon symptoms and other factors for patients under the age of 10 or over the age of 30. In all, 115 patients have undergone surgical repair of AAOCA. The results demonstrate that AAOCA surgery can be performed safely and is effective in relieving symptoms of myocardial ischemia. For the first time, an association between AAOCA and myocardial bridges is reported.
May 10, 2016
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
This prospective study showed that surgical aortic valve replacement and TAVI can be performed in patients with EuroSCORE <4% with similar 30-day mortality rates. Surgical aortic valve replacement had significantly better 3-year outcome than TAVI. These data suggest that expanding the use of TAVI in low-risk patients may not be justified.
May 8, 2016
Submitted by: Aristotle Protopapas
The entire issue is dedicated to thrombosis and makes a compulsory read for cardiovascular and thoracic hospitalists. Of patricular relevance to the thoracic surgeon are the translational articles on system analysis (page 1348) and the table on oral anticoagulants on page 1410.
May 8, 2016
Submitted by: Aristotle Protopapas
A collaborative multi-funded RCT by Chinese surgeons and European epidemiologists, this article is guaranteed to elicit thunderous responses from biomedical publishing and the pharmaceutical industry. Although various arguments can be presented on methodology and collection of data, it is most likely in any case that this paper will be widely discussed!
May 6, 2016
Submitted by: Joseph Basha
This is a very well done video of: "A Day in the Life of a Perfusionist." The video captures many intersting aspects and diversities of a perfusionists responsibilities. My compliments to the creators and editors.
May 6, 2016
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
The authors report on the differences in outcome after semicontinuous versus interrupted suture techniques for aortic valve implantation. In a propensity matched analysis with 411 patient pairs they found similar mortality and the risk of redo surgery regardless of the implantation technique. The advantage of semicontinuous sutures were shorter operation times and larger valve sizes.
May 6, 2016
Submitted by: CTSNet Staff
The effectivity of Sildenafil for preoperative preconditioning in pediatric heart surgery was tested in a randomized trial. Thirteen children each with low-dose (0.06 mg/kg), high-dose (0.6 mg/kg) or no preconditioning underwent VSD closure. Sildenafil application did not alter myocardial injury, cardiac function, inotropic needs or postoperative course.
May 5, 2016
Submitted by: Lisa Brown
The goal of this multicenter survey was to determine the psychological and social impact of incidental pulmonary nodule detection. The primary outcome was nodule specific distress and secondary outcomes included perceived lung cancer risk (with misperception defined as 15% discrepency), quality of communication with clinicians, and psychosocial factors that affect distress. Approximately half of the patients had distress, 24% of which was considered clinically significant. Only 25% of patients accurately estimated their risk of lung cancer, with the majority overestimating the likelihood of cancer. Many (41%) believed that if untreated their nodule would turn into cancer, and a majority (71%) did not know that pulmonary nodules can be benign or indolent tumors. While most physicians discussed nodule size with patients, only a small fraction reviewed the CT scan with the patient and discussed lung cancer risk. Greater than one third of patients stopped smoking when they found out they had a pulmonary nodule.
May 5, 2016
Submitted by: Lisa Brown
The FDA is assuming regulatory control over e-cigarettes. Sales of e-cigarettes will be banned to those <18 years old. In addition, warning labels will be required on all packages and all products are now subject to government approval.
May 5, 2016
Submitted by: Marcelo Jimenez
This is an outstanding and provocative editorial comment concerning treatment costs of lung cancer based on an article published in the last issue of the European Respiratory Journal. It reveals discrepancies in access to new therapies based on therapeutic targets due to molecular testing and treatment costs.