The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Historical Article
Historical origin of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association.
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Comparative Study
Outcome of pediatric patients treated with extracorporeal life support after cardiac surgery.
Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has been used for over two decades in select patients after cardiac surgery. We previously described factors associated with death in this population. We now review our recent experience to reassess factors related to mortality. ⋯ Patients with an adequate two-ventricle repair have significantly higher hospital survival, whereas those with single ventricle physiology or need for dialysis have decreased survival.
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Comparative Study
Cerebral cortical oxygenation changes during OPCAB surgery.
We investigated the changes occurring in cerebral cortical oxygenation during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). ⋯ Grafting of the LAD on the beating heart is responsible for changes in cerebral cortical oxygenation which persist early after returning the heart to its natural position. Grafting of the Cx and PDA result in transient reversible changes. Trendelenburg positioning and right lateral tilting of the operating table during grafting of lateral and posterior walls might have a protective role in preventing cerebral cortical ischemia. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical importance of these observations.