The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are used as a bridge to transplantation but are associated with a high risk of infection including nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSI). ⋯ Patients with implantable LVAD have a high incidence of BSI, which are associated with a significantly increased mortality. Strategies for prevention of infection in LVAD recipients should focus on the drive line exit site until technical advances can achieve a totally implantable device.
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An 80-year-old man presented with a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography and aortography revealed a large aneurysm and tight aortic coarctation. This was successfully repaired with an interposition prosthesis.
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Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) can be performed in several ways using a minimally invasive approach (MIDCAB). Using the left anterior small thoracotomy (LAST) approach, only the LAD can be grafted. To expand the indications for MIDCAB from single-vessel disease to double-vessel disease, we have used a partial sternotomy without a transverse cut, namely, the lower-end sternal splitting (LESS) approach. Through this approach, the LAD and RCA can be revascularized by means of a single small incision without the risk of damaging the tissue around the intercostal space during harvesting of ITA when the sternum is transversely divided. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this technique. ⋯ Our experience demonstrates that the LESS approach for MIDCAB is technically feasible for revascularizing not only the LAD but also the RCA system, with the same small incision using IMA and GEA. It can be used with excellent cosmetic results and safety. Although our experience is limited, we conclude that this less invasive surgical technique can be used as an alternative approach for MIDCAB in patients with LAD or RCA disease.
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Review
Improved outcome with organs from carbon monoxide poisoned donors for intrathoracic transplantation.
The success of intrathoracic organ transplantation has lead to a growing imbalance between the demand and supply of donor organs. Accordingly, there has been an expansion in the use of organs from nonconventional donors such as those who died from carbon monoxide poisoning. We describe our experience with 7 patients who were transplanted using organs after fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. ⋯ Carbon monoxide poisoned organs can be considered for intrathoracic transplantation. In view of the significant risk of donor organ failure, a cautious approach is still warranted. Ideally, the donor should be hemodynamically stable for at least 36 hours from the time of poisoning and on minimal support. A formal approach of invasive monitoring and active management further improves the chances of successful outcome.
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The aim of this study was to compare hospital, early, and late clinical outcomes for patients undergoing one-stage, coronary and abdominal aortic surgical intervention with and without cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ Off-pump coronary surgical procedures decrease postoperative complications in high-risk patients undergoing simultaneous coronary and abdominal aortic operations compared with the conventional one-stage procedure. The early benefits achieved with off-pump surgical intervention are not at the expense of the long-term clinical outcome.