The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Comparative Study
Lateral tunnel versus extracardiac conduit Fontan procedure: a concurrent comparison.
The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of the lateral tunnel (LT) and extracardiac conduit (ECC) Fontan procedures at a single institution over the same time period. ⋯ The LT and ECC approaches had comparable early and mid-term outcomes, including operative morbidity and mortality, postoperative hemodynamics, resource use, and mid-term survival and functional status. ECC patients had a higher incidence of sinus node dysfunction early after operation.
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Comparative Study
Experience with an alternative technique for the management of anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.
Several operative approaches are utilized for the management of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, each with some limitation. The long-term results of a technique that facilitates direct and tension-free implantation of the anomalous artery to the aorta in all patients are described. ⋯ This technique allows a tension-free direct aortic connection in all cases, has a low rate of coronary artery occlusion, and avoids significant pulmonary artery distortion or stenosis, making it an excellent alternative for the surgical management of anomalous origin of the coronary artery.
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Comparative Study
Risk factors associated with cardiac surgery during pregnancy.
This study is aimed at analyzing risk factors for fetal and maternal mortality in cardiac surgery during pregnancy. ⋯ Cardiac surgery during pregnancy is associated with acceptable maternal and fetal mortality rates. These rates may be even lower if the factors mentioned above are maintained under control.
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Comparative Study
Open heart surgery: one-year self-assessment of quality of life and functional outcome.
The aim of this prospective study, based on the completion of the short form health survey questionnaire (SF36) before and 1-year after open heart surgery, was threefold: to evaluate the changes in quality of life (QOL) after open heart surgery, to determine the factors influencing QOL, and to assess the relation between preoperative QOL and 1-year cardiac functional status. ⋯ Preoperative QOL determined by the SF36 is predictive of 1-year cardiac functional status. Coronary artery bypass patients do not recover as well as patients having undergone heart valve surgery.