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Journal and News Scan
May 7, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
The University of Pittsburgh experience with anterior approaches to spinal problems is summarized. Approaches included cervical/sternotomy in 8 pts, thoracotomy in 79, and thoracoabominal in 43 for infection (50), primary neoplasms (22), and metastases (58). 30 and 90 day mortality were 9% and 21%, and the major complication rate was 28%. The procedures appeared to be effective in relieving symptoms.
May 7, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Results of a 50 year experience with surgery for cortriatriatum sinister were summarized. A mix of infants and adults underwent treatment, consisting of membrane excision on CPB. 10 year survival was 83%, and all patients were in NYHA class I or II at follow-up.
May 7, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Patients undergoing catheterization and possible PCI have a poor understanding of the procedures and the attendant benefits/risks. This study investigated the use of a standard consent process compared to a web-based audio-visual presentation. Both processes resulted in similar improvements in patient comprehension, but the web-based process resulted in better comprehension of therapeutic alternatives. Considerable misunderstandings persisted after both approaches.
May 7, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
A transitional care program was instituted for CABG patients to improve care continuity after hospital discharge. The composite outcome was a combination of hospital readmission and death. Among 169 pts who entered the program compared to 232 control patients, program participation was the only independent predictor of improved outcome. The incidence of the composite outcome was reduced by two-thirds for patients in the program.
May 6, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
67 patients without a previous history of lung cancer underwent FNA of a GGO with results suspicious for, but not diagnostic of, adenocarcinoma. 47 pts who elected to undergo resection were compared to 16 who opted for observation. 6/16 observed pts developed interval growth or increase in the solid component of the GGO and 5 underwent resection or radiation therapy. The observed group experienced no cancer-related death or distant recurrence of cancer. The resected group experienced metastatic spread (2), development of new cancers (5), and size progression in other GGOs.
May 6, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Clinical outcomes of patients with lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed with respect to the histologic subtype of adenocarcinoma. Histologic pattern was associated with sex, T status, N status, and stage. Recurrence was higher in patients with micropapillary and solid tumors. These subtypes were associated with extrathoracic-only recurrence. They were also independent predictors of survival.
May 6, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Outcomes of patients undergoing lung transplant after LVRS were compared to those of patients undergoing LVRS or transplant alone. OR time and LOS were longer in the combined group. Morbidity and mortality were similar among the groups. Post-transplant survival was substantially lower in the combined group. However, if time from LVRS to transplant was added to transplant survival, long-term survival was similar among the 3 groups.
May 6, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
The authors reviewed transfusion practices after cardiac surgery in Australia and New Zealand using a database of nearly 43,000 patients. Transfusion rates for >=1 unit varied 3-fold (22% to 67%), for >=5 units varied 5-fold, >=1 platelet pack varied 3-fold, >=1 FFP varied 4 fold, and >=1 cryoprecipitate varied 20-fold. The differences were not explained by patient, surgical, or hospital characteristics.
May 6, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
The authors compared outcomes of surgical management of early stage thymoma in 125 patients undergoing unilateral VATS to 137 patients undergoing transsternal resection. OR time, blood loss, chest tube drainage, chest tube duration, and LOS were less in the VATS group. Complication rates and local recurrence rates were similar.
May 6, 2014
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
This study compared early and intermediate biventricular function after early arterial switch in 26 infants and 20 age-matched controls. At 1 year LV performance was similar in ASO and controls, whereas RV systolic and diastolic function remained impaired. This stresses the need for ongoing monitoring of RV function after ASO.