The Annals of thoracic surgery
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A new microporous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene arterial prosthesis was evaluated in dogs. The material appears to produce an adequate prosthesis for aortopulmonary anastomosis in animals and can conduct a high rate of blood flow. ⋯ Thus far all patients are well, growing, and have a loud shunt murmur. The desirable features of this type of anastomosis are presented.
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Case Reports
Bullet emboli to the pulmonary artery: a report of 2 patients and review of the literature.
Bullet embolization to the pulmonary artery is a rare event. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with 2 patients and to review the 15 patients reported in the literature, with special emphasis on a rather peculiar complication that has occurred in 4 of the 9 patients who underwent bullet embolectomy: dislodgment of the missile during the surgical procedure and migration to the down-side lung, for which a second thoracotomy was required in 3 of those patients. ⋯ This review suggests that operative removal of a bullet in the pulmonary artery is necessary. The operation is safe and uncomplicated if precautions are taken to prevent the missile from migrating during manipulation of the lung.