The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare cardiac anomaly, and the difference between Asian and Western countries in its occurrence is not well established. This study was designed to investigate the difference between Asian and Western patients. ⋯ Long-term results of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are associated with preoperative aortic regurgitation. The difference between Asian and Western patients with ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva is significant.
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Obesity has become a public health crisis. Although prior studies in obese patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures have shown variable effects on outcomes, data are limited for extremely obese patients (body mass index [BMI] > or = 45). We undertook this study to evaluate outcomes in this cohort. ⋯ Extreme obese patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures have higher perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with a lower BMI group. BMI and preoperative renal insufficiency increase mortality in both groups, whereas transfusion does so only in the extreme obese. These patients can realize acceptable outcomes from cardiac procedures, but continue to suffer from the comorbidities of obesity.
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Biventricular repair (BVR) can be achieved in aortic atresia with ventricular septal defect (VSD) by creating a double outlet left ventricle, Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure and placement of a right ventricular-pulmonary artery conduit. This study is a review of 15 years experience with this "Damus-Rastelli" technique to assess clinical outcomes in comparison with a standard univentricular approach. ⋯ Biventricular repair of aortic atresia and VSD can be achieved with results that compare well with univentricular palliation. Despite the need for conduit change, the long-term benefit of a BVR would support this technique. Delay in performing the initial repair may increase mortality.
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Comparative Study
Surgical treatment for empyema thoracis: is video-assisted thoracic surgery "better" than thoracotomy?
Operations for empyema thoracis are conventionally performed by open thoracotomy, whereas the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach remains controversial. This study compares the radiologic and functional outcomes of decortication using the two approaches. ⋯ VATS allows equally effective decortication for empyema as thoracotomy. However, the VATS approach gives less pain and greater patient acceptance.
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Because of their small size, rotary left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can be implanted through several alternative approaches, including transdiaphragmatic LVAD insertion through a left subcostal incision with anastomosis of the outflow graft to the retroperitoneal supra-celiac aorta and a left thoracotomy approach with anastomosis to the descending thoracic aorta. More recently we have added a counter-incision to allow the outflow graft of a transdiaphragmatic LVAD to be tunneled through the right chest and anastomosed to the ascending aorta. ⋯ Thus far 12 patients have undergone reinforcement of the LVAD outflow graft prior to graft-to-aorta anastomosis. In all cases, graft lie was facilitated and kinking was eliminated.