The Annals of thoracic surgery
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We investigated the efficacy of an integrated system of advanced supportive care based on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in older patients with an estimated mortality of more than 90% to establish whether its use is justifiable. ⋯ An ECMO-based approach can be used with acceptable results in the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock, even in older patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Trial of a novel synthetic sealant in preventing air leaks after lung resection.
Postoperative air leaks are a major cause of morbidity after lung resections. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new synthetic, bioresorbable surgical sealant in preventing air leaks after pulmonary resection. ⋯ Air leaks after lung resection occur in most patients. The application of this novel surgical sealant appears to be effective and safe in preventing postoperative air leaks.
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This is a 3-year follow-up of a gradually ballooning atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) which developed a spontaneous echo contrast and later a mobile thrombus in the aneurysm. This clearly demonstrates one of the pathogenetic mechanisms of systemic thromboembolism associated with ASA. In view of the risk of systemic thromboembolism or the need for lifelong anticoagulation treatment, the aneurysm was excised and an atrial septal patch was fashioned to close the resultant defect.
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Review Case Reports
Dissection of atrial septum after mitral valve replacement.
We report a patient who presented with paraprosthetic leak complicated by dissection of the interatrial septum after mitral valve replacement. A review of the literature provides confirmation that only 3 cases have been previously reported of this potential, albeit extremely rare, complication of prosthetic mitral valve replacement. Prosthesis oversizing and improper mitral annular handling appeared to be the predisposing factors of this complication.