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Journal and News Scan
September 14, 2021
Submitted by: Wei-Guo Ma
Based on data of 4203 patients with acute type A dissection in the UK National Adult Cardiac Surgical Audit, Benedetto and associates have identified the following risk factors for operative mortality: age (odds ratio, OR, 1.02), malperfusion (OR 1.79), left ventricular ejection fraction (moderate: OR 1.40; poor: OR 2.83), prior cardiac surgery (OR 2.29), preoperative mechanical ventilation (OR 2.76), preoperative resuscitation (OR 3.36), and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (OR 2.29).
September 13, 2021
Submitted by: Aristotle Protopapas
A brief but dense editorial included in a compedium on cardioplegia.
The last sentence summarises what many colleagues would think on the matter of single-shot plegia for root surgery.
September 12, 2021
Submitted by: Edward Savage
The Yale database of 1162 patients with ascending aortic aneurysms was queried. Analysis suggested root dilatation was more significant in predicting adverse events than mid -ascending aortic dilatation, with short stature as a serious risk factor. Hinge points at 5.0 and 5.25 cm respectively were identified. The authors suggest these paramenters should be considered as intervention criteria.
September 10, 2021
Submitted by: Christopher Anderson
This study aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing salvage surgery after chemoradiotherapy, conventional external beam, stereotactic body radiotherapy, and ion beam radiotherapy.
September 10, 2021
Submitted by: Christopher Anderson
The authors discuss the first-in-human implant of a custom-made branched frozen elephant trunk graft designed for an anastomosis in aortic arch zone 0. They claim that combining endovascular technology with open surgical techniques allows for simplification of the open procedure with reductions in circulatory arrest time and preparations for surgery.
September 3, 2021
Submitted by: Christopher Anderson
This is a subanalysis of the Randomized On-Off Bypass (ROOBY) trial that examined transit time flow measurement (TTFM) use and its effect on graft patency and long-term clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
September 3, 2021
Submitted by: Christopher Anderson
The updated EACTS and ESC valvular heart disease guidelines (superseding those published in 2017) are focused on acquired valvular heart disease and are oriented towards management of the condition.
August 28, 2021
Submitted by: Jessica Luc
In this article, Trudell et al surveyed the Women in Thoracic Surgery membership to assess for characteristics of allyship. Qualities of allyship identified include mentorship, support, and sponsorship; whereas, competitiveness, disrespect, discrimination, stereotyping, unconscious bias, and undermining were reported as detrimental factors.
August 28, 2021
Submitted by: Jessica Luc
In this study by Olive et al, they demonstrate the demographic landscape of current cardiothoracic surgeons and trainees in terms of sex and race/ethnicity, and demonstrate improvement in diversity of trainees and faculty across multiple training pathways over the years.
August 28, 2021
Submitted by: Jessica Luc
In this article, Loo et al demonstrate in a survey to the Thoracic Surgery Residents Association membership that only approximately 20% of trainees were accurate in estimating surgeon reimbursement, with a demonstrated lack of understanding in how reimbursement models work, despite acknowledgement of its importance. This study highlights an area of need for creation of a dedicated reimbursement / financial education curricula for cardiothoracic surgery trainees.