The Annals of thoracic surgery
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We compared two repair techniques for pulmonary artery sling. The first comprised detachment of the aberrant left pulmonary artery from the right pulmonary artery and its implantation into the main pulmonary artery, and the second, translocation of the left pulmonary artery anterior to the trachea (without implanting it into the main pulmonary artery), resection of tracheal stenosis, and end-to-end reconstruction of the trachea. ⋯ In pulmonary artery sling, implantation of the aberrant left pulmonary artery into the main pulmonary artery, if necessary combined with anterior tracheoplasty, reliably eliminates tracheal and esophageal compression and maintains antegrade flow into the left pulmonary artery. Translocation of the left pulmonary artery anterior to the trachea without implanting it into the main pulmonary artery is not favored because that might result in anterior compression of the trachea. In addition, we are concerned about growth of the circumferential tracheal anastomosis in neonates and infants.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Optimal timing of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump support in high-risk coronary patients.
Beneficial effects of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) treatment, on outcome and cost, in high-risk patients who have coronary artery bypass grafting have been demonstrated. We conducted a prospective, randomized study to determine the optimal timing for preoperative IABP support in a cohort of high-risk patients. ⋯ The beneficial effect of preoperative IABP in high-risk patients who have coronary artery bypass grafting was confirmed. There were no differences in outcome between the subgroups; therefore, at 2 hours preoperatively, IABP therapy can be started.
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Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare and serious complication of anticoagulation therapy. There remains a paucity of information pertaining to alternative anticoagulation strategies for use during cardiopulmonary bypass concomitant with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, especially in children. ⋯ Emergent conduit revision with cardiopulmonary bypass was required for a thrombosed systemic-venous to pulmonary-arterial connection (completion modified Fontan procedure). Required doses of Danaparoid were consistently twofold that previously reported for adults.
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The surgical management of neonatal systemic outflow obstruction and complex single ventricle pathology is variable. ⋯ Our experience suggests that this high-risk subgroup of neonates with aortic obstruction and single-ventricle pathophysiology is safely managed by initial pulmonary artery banding palliation and repair of aortic obstruction. This strategy, careful surveillance, and early relief of subaortic stenosis can maintain acceptable anatomy and hemodynamics for later bidirectional Glenn and Fontan procedures.
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Traditional therapy for refractory chylothorax in the pediatric population has included pleurodesis and thoracic duct ligation. These procedures are associated with high morbidity and questionable success rates. ⋯ Externalized pleuroperitoneal shunting is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for children with refractory chylous effusions.